Washington Redskins fans should have a countdown timer for when the opportunity for the team to come to an extension with quarterback Kirk Cousins comes to an end. During any other year, the magical date where time would run out would be July 15, as noted in the collective bargaining agreement. Not this year, though. A strange rule in the CBA now takes into account the traditional American work week, giving the team and player an extra 48 hours to negotiate.
Increased window for Washington
ESPN's Adam Schefter pointed out the interesting discrepancy for franchise tag negotiations.
Instead of July 15 serving as this year's deadline, July 17 is the deadline. That's because the 15th is a Saturday -- the NFL is now saying business is closed over the weekend. It's an ironic stance from the league, considering the fact that most of the games are played on Sundays. Regardless, the Redskins won't be complaining about the additional time to keep Cousins around.
On date change, if CBA deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday it is moved to Monday. Thus Lev Bell and Kirk Cousins now have until July 17.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 19, 2017
Cousins and the Redskins aren't the only ones who have the potential to benefit from this extra time, though. Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell is at the top of the franchise tag prestige list.
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson is under the franchise tag for the second straight season, just like Cousins. Several other players were faced with the franchise tag, but have since come to terms on long-term contracts with their teams.
To sign or not to sign Cousins
In all likelihood, the extra 48 hours won't do much to change the equation for the two sides: either the Redskins want to sign Cousins to a long-term extension or they don't.
They are probably eager to keep their quarterback, but are worried about the money it will cost. No amount of time will change the formula for getting such a deal done.
Muddying up the picture is the rumored trade demand Cousins made of the team's front office, which has given no indication of following through on any such transaction.
The team is fearful of paying him too much money, but they are also fearful of losing him to another team, which could come back and bite them. That being said, the Redskins and their star player have been through the ringer together, destined to come out on the other side. A long-term deal may not get done before the July 17 deadline, but there's a decent chance that a long-term contract could be signed after the season, especially since the Redskins would lose a fortune if they tagged him a third time.
