The Washington Redskins have franchise tagged their pro bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins for the second consecutive year at a hefty price tag. Last season Cousins franchise tag cost the team $19.95 million, while it is now projected to cost them $23.94 million. In the 2015-16 season Cousins had a breakout season with career highs in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completion percentage and quarterback rating. Despite a pro bowl snub, Cousins turned the team around from a 4-12 disaster to a 9-7 record and a playoff berth.
Prove it again
The Redskins tagged Cousins to make sure the 15-16 season was no fluke and he proved it wasn't.
Cousins almost threw for 5,000 yards passing, had 25 touchdowns and made his first pro bowl ever in the 2016-17 season. However the team underachieved compared to the previous season, going 8-7-1 and missing the playoffs.
Cousins has been questioned by critics for his lack of playoff success, his slow starts at the beginning of the season and if he is truly an elite quarterback that could lead a team to a super bowl. Cousins has been one only two quarterbacks (Russell Wilson) to have passed for over 4,000 yards and have a winning record over the last two seasons. He has also had the NFL's highest QB rating since midway through the 2015 season, following his now famous "You Like That" catchphrase after leading Washington to its biggest comeback ever again the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now Cousins most prove to his doubters and his team that he is worth a long term contract for another season and may have to do it without his top two wide receivers, who are free agents.
Cousins' Future
Cousins and the team have until July 15th to work out a long term deal in order to avoid him playing under the tag for the whole 2017-18 season.
The Redskins are playing a dangerous game because if a deal can not be reached they could run the risk of having to tag Cousins a third straight season at a potential cost of $34.47 million.
If Cousins under-performs or the team does not think he is elite they could let him walk, but they would run the risk of having to start from scratch at the position.
Cousins is no Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, but he is a good quarterback and the Redskins will have to decide if his worth the contract. If not sources had suggest Cousins would got to the San Francisco 49ers.
