Rounding Up Latest Washington Redskins Pre-Training Camp Buzz

Kirk Cousins' future dominates the latest buzz surrounding the Washington Redskins prior to the start of training camp on July, 27, and nobody should be surprised.

A roster otherwise talented enough to make a deep run into the playoffs is needlessly unsettled due to the uncertainty regarding its most important position. Cousins still hasn't signed a new long-term deal and doesn't look like doing so before Monday's deadline, at least according to the latest talk.

Issues at quarterback could waste the talents of a third-year wide receiver who is being tipped by many for a breakout season, not least by a former Redskins big-play specialist.

If Cousins is forced to play a second-straight year under a franchise tag, his form could suffer. A dip from the man under center would put more pressure on a revamped defense to deliver.

Fortunately, the early buzz surrounding the unit set to be coordinated by Greg Manusky in 2017 is already positive.

Read on for a roundup of the latest Redskins buzz, Cousins-related and otherwise, pre-training camp.

Long-Term Deal Not Looking Likely for Cousins

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Those counting on the Redskins doing the sensible thing and signing up their Pro-Bowl quarterback for the long haul before the 2017 NFL seasons starts are set for disappointment.

At least that's the view of Nora Princiotti of the Washington Times, who has revealed how the disparity in numbers between the team and Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, is making any such deal unlikely.

Princiotti spelled out the two, polar-opposite financial positions: "The value of the $24 million franchise tag this year and $28 or $34.4 million options next year (transition or franchise tag) gives McCartney plenty of leverage. Because of those guarantees, Cousins' price starts around $55 million guaranteed at signing. The Redskins would rather not pay that much for Cousins."

The idea of striking a deal before Monday being the stuff of fantasy is also shared by ESPN.com's John Keim. Like Princiotti, Keim believes the threat of placing the tag on Cousins for a second year has given the quarterback and his representatives too much leverage, since he would earn as much as $23.9 million in guaranteed cash for 2017 by playing under a tag.

Keim also made a couple of interesting points that may explain why Cousins still hasn't received the deal he wants from the Redskins. First, Keim drew this parallel with the man Cousins supplanted for the starting job in 2015: "Cousins' side believed that if former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had posted similar numbers, the Redskins wouldn't have hesitated to give him a big contract."

Absolutely, hear, hear and with bells on. There is no doubt whatsoever Robert Griffin III would have a long-term deal in a heartbeat if he was still on the team and had achieved what Cousins has the last two years.

It's easy to imagine many of the decision-makers at Redskins Park still find it tough to completely let go of the hopes they had when RG3 tore it up as a rookie sensation in 2012. Yet Griffin is long gone after Cousins deservedly took his job. The moment Griffin got hurt against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2012 playoffs, and lost the mobility that had made him so dangerous in the first place, Washington's dream of building the franchise around him died.

It's high time the Redskins faced facts and acknowledged Cousins is the best quarterback they have. He was while Griffin was still in town, and he certainly is now.

However, Keim thinks the franchise still believes in another of its passers: "Now Cousins' leverage works against them, too. The Redskins have been reluctant to pay him approximately $20 million more per year than backup Colt McCoy, whom they like."

The Redskins' insistence on always thinking they can do better than Cousins is likely to eventually cost this team a highly capable pro quarterback.

Pierre Garcon Confused by Cousins' Situation; Not Thinking About Reunion

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You're not alone in thinking the decision to stall on giving Cousins the deal his play the last two years has merited is a baffling one from the Redskins. Washington's single-season receptions record holder Pierre Garcon agrees.

Garcon, now a member of the San Francisco 49ers, recently expressed his confusion about Cousins' contract situation on SiriusXM NFL Radio (h/t Conor Orr of the league's official website):

"I wish I had the answer. But like you said, Kirk, he's got to be consistent. He's moving the ball up and down the field, he's making plays for us, he's been doing it for a long time. He is the guy that's helped us make those playoff runs. He's done a lot of things great for us, but I don't know why he's not the long-term answer there."

Don't worry, Pierre. There is no logical answer for why the Burgundy and Gold haven't secured the future of their record-breaking passer.

Logic has to be missing from the equation when you consider the paucity of quality quarterbacks ready and able to take Cousins' place if another team makes him an offer he likes next year.

One team that could are Garcon's 49ers. San Fran's own dire situation at quarterback, coupled with the presence of not only one of his favorite receivers, but also his former offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanhan, could make the Bay Area a desirable destination for Cousins in 2018.

Working with Shanahan the younger again is something Benjamin Allbright of Yahoo Sports believes Cousins wants and could wait a year for.

For his part, Garcon isn't being drawn on such talk, per Orr: "That's so far-fetched, I'm not even worried about that right now," he said. "We got this season to go. We got our first game against the Carolina Panthers, and that's who we're focused on right now to tell you the truth."

Garcon may be content to play the diplomat, both for his former club and his new team. Yet the idea of a franchise such as the 49ers being part of the the market for Cousins a year from now should make those who call the shots in Washington shudder.

They must surely know there is not only going to be a market for Cousins in 2018, but a strong one. It will be a market populated by desperate teams more than happy to pay top dollar to get an accomplished player at football's most important position.

The Niners may not be the only potential suitor with connections to Cousins, either. San Francisco's NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams, also coached by a former Redskins OC in Sean McVay, could also be in the mix, according to ESPN.com's Keim.

Cousins may look at his options next year and see two places where he knows he'll be wanted.

Cousins Not Motivated by Money

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Financial disparities may be forcing Redskins' negotiators and Cousins' representatives to dig their heels in, but the player himself says money isn't his primary motivation.

In fact, Cousins has made it clear other motivations will continue to inform his decision. Speaking to Wavy.com (h/t the Washington Post, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk), Cousins said: "I never want to play football thinking about money. I think that you get in trouble doing that. I put my confidence in the Lord, in my faith. If I'm gonna build my life [based] on money shame on me."

Cousins drawing a line between why he wants to play could offer the Redskins a hint of encouragement in their bid to keep him around. Indeed, one factor the 28-year-old must surely weigh in his thinking is how much he has improved as a player while throwing passes in a Redskins uniform.

He showed promise in spot duty under the old regime of the man who drafted him in 2012, Mike Shanahan. Yet the early Cousins also looked erratic and turnover-prone enough to have plenty worried about the idea of him starting regularly.

Since then, he has refined his game on the watch of Shanahan's successor, Jay Gruden. The latter has made Cousins a more disciplined and thoughtful passer, one with the patience and willingness to take what a defense gives him.

Gruden has also skilfully built his offenses around what Cousins can do, often watering down the passing game to a series of quick reads and short, safe throws. It's necessary, quarterback-friendly stuff. It's also the kind of security Cousins may not receive elsewhere, not when the team paying him a fat contract expects numbers to reflect the deal.

So if he's developing in safety and security and isn't concerned about money, why hasn't Cousins signed? Naturally, some will take a dubious view to his latest comments, as Florio seems to: "So why is Cousins mincing words and tiptoeing around the truth? Because Cousins knows that fans will blame him for being greedy and not the team for being cheap if/when a deal isn't done."

It may be naive to think any differently, but maybe, just maybe, Cousins may soon decide his interest would be best-served by taking a tiny step down in his contract standoff with the Redskins.

Guaranteed Money the Key to a Deal for Cousins

Nick Wass/Associated Press

There's a lot of talk about why a deal for Cousins doesn't look possible, but there isn't enough about what it would actually take to convince No. 8 to sign.

Thankfully, former sports agent Joel Corry took a look for CBS Sports. The basis of Corry's argument is the importance of front-loading any contract offer with guaranteed money.

Corry believes, rightly, the Redskins face having to set "new standards in most key contract metrics." Of course, the quarterback market today almost makes sure of as much.

Specifically, there is the $25.005 million paid annually to Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders, as well as the guarantees worth $87 million given to Indianapolis Colts starter Andrew Luck, cited by Corry.

With these figures in mind, Corry suggests a contract paying Cousins $130 million over five years, with $84.25 million in guarantees.

Even taking in the maximum annual salary in Corry's proposed deal, $23 million in its fifth and final year, this contract would still cost the Redskins less than continuing with the franchise tag game, per Corry: "Cousins would make $78.375 million from three straight franchise tags. He would be averaging $26.125 million during this span should it happen."

Of course, most connected with the Burgundy and Gold will continue to hope a compromise can and will be reached between the franchise and Cousins. If it's a question of worth, remember Cousins' will naturally be inflated by the dearth of talented alternatives at his position.

It's also worth keeping in mind how Cousins has the production to merit a deal on a par with some of the NFL's big-name quarterbacks. He has shattered franchise records, made the Pro Bowl, reached the playoffs and guided the team to a pair of winning seasons.

As the deadline for his deal approaches, Cousins' hand only gets stronger.

Bruce Allen Could Scupper Any Cousins Deal

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Allen is making the calls regarding team building now Scot McCloughan is gone. Allen's way of dealing with contracts could be a problem when it comes to Cousins, though, per Rick Snider of the Washington Post.

In particular, Snider believes Allen's stubborn streak could spell trouble: "Allen's failure to secure the Redskins' future at the most important position—the team has reportedly lowballed Cousins' camp twice—reeks of stubbornness. That trait could have come straight from Allen's father. It made George Allen a Hall of Fame coach, but it's making Bruce a poor executive."

Snider is most concerned by Allen's seeming determination to pinch the pennies. In a game of brinksmanship, Cousins hasn't blinked, per Snider: "Allen's job is to be cost-effective with contracts, but his frugality has cornered him after Cousins bet on himself and won big with two standout seasons. Allen says he can always franchise Cousins again in 2018, but that's preposterous because the $34 million price tag would cripple the team."

The main question here is can the Redskins can afford to be stubborn with Cousins? In a typical tale of going round in circles, the issue once again returns to those alternatives, or lack thereof, to having Cousins play quarterback in D.C.

The franchise may believe in veteran backup Colt McCoy, but the 30-year-old won't put up the numbers Cousins has. It's easy to see this team holding steady for a season with McCoy at the helm, especially if the defense makes strides and the running game does the same.

Yet pushing for more will only be possible with the type of explosive offense Washington can attack defenses with when Cousins is spreading the ball around.

None of this can have escaped Allen's notice the past two seasons. A long-term contract for Cousins will only come if there is some relenting from both sides.

It means Allen needs to match a step back from Cousins with a minor retreat of his own.

Jamison Crowder Breakout Buzz Building

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

It's becoming increasingly difficult not to hear somebody say Jamison Crowder is poised for a breakout campaign in 2017. Even those who cover Washington's NFC East rivals believe Crowder will be a menace in the new season.

ESPN.com's New York Giants writer Jordan Raanan believes in Crowder's potential to dominate in his third year. Raanan thinks Crowder will become more of a feature now Garcon and DeSean Jackson are playing on new teams. Along with tight end Jordan Reed, Crowder is likely to emerge as the feature of Washington's passing game.

More than increased opportunities, though, Crowder's flair for the splash plays is what makes him stand out, according to Raanan: "Whether it was on screens, punt returns or downfield passes, he always was making plays. He’s dangerous every time he touches the ball."

Crowder's knack for the big play is reminiscent of another diminutive speedster who used to play wideout for the Redskins, 5'10" Santana Moss. Like Raanan, Moss is also a fan of Crowder's potential to produce a banner season.

Moss told CSN's Countdown to Training Camp show (h/t Tyler Byrum of CSN Mid-Atlantic): "If you can have a guy that can blow the top off of any defense, now they have to play sound defense for you. They have to understand that he can be that threat any time."

A comparison between Crowder and Moss is becoming increasingly apt. Like the former, Crowder is not a particularly physically imposing specimen at 5'9" and 177 pounds.

Yet just like Moss, Crowder can go vertical and be a deadly deep threat, either from the slot or on the outside. Crowder has those crossover skills to give Cousins a reliable, possession-style outlet, as well as a sudden-strike weapon.

It should all add up to a monster season for 2015's fourth-round pick.

Junior Galette Talks Up Greg Manusky's Defense

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With so much focus devoted to the key players on offense, it's becoming easy to forget about how much pressure Washington's new-look defense will be under in 2017.

The unit has a new coordinator in Manusky and potentially three new starters along the defensive line in Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee, as well as 17th-overall draft pick Jonathan Allen. There are also new faces at inside linebacker, outside 'backer and safety, in the form of Zach Brown, rookie Ryan Anderson and D.J. Swearinger.

Manusky must shape this remade group into a defense capable of taking over games and making its own share of big plays. Fortunately, Manusky is already making an impression on his players.

Specifically, veteran edge-rusher Junior Galette is impressed by what he's seen this offseason. The 29-year-old recently expressed his impressions to the team's official website (h/t Kyle Tasman of 247Sports.com): "It's definitely very aggressive. I've played in an aggressive defense for Gregg Williams and Rob Ryan—you know, they're very aggressive and very similar styles—but [Manusky] is a little bit more polished and organized."

Galette's reference to the schemes he played in for Rob Ryan and one-time Redskins DC Gregg Williams is intriguing. Both play-callers are known for their willingness to attack offenses with blitz pressure out of various personnel groupings.

Manusky wasn't quite as creative during his time with the Indianapolis Colts. However, he did often trust a formula of pressure and man coverage in certain big games, frustrating former Colts QB Peyton Manning more than once when the latter played for the Denver Broncos.

In Washington, Manusky will have the weapons to turn up the heat more often. Galette, provided he's healthy, knows how to get to quarterbacks, while Anderson, Trent Murphy, Preston Smith and Ryan Kerrigan give the Redskins an enviable contingent of pass-rushers.

Manusky must use training camp to experiment with various ways to get his most destructive defensive players on the field together.

If the new line takes shape quickly, Manusky will have greater scope to show the creativity and aggression that already has players taking notice.

A better defense can be the catalyst for a playoff run from the Redskins in 2017. Yet the future and form of Cousins will ultimately determine just how far this team can go.