If they don’t come to terms on a long-term deal before the July 17 deadline, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins will be playing under the franchise tag for the second straight season. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that there is a “strong indication” that the two sides will not reach a long-term agreement in time. If they fail to do so, the Redskins will have to wait until the next offseason to negotiate with Cousins.
The Redskins recently used an exclusive-rights franchise tender worth $23.41 million on Cousins, who tossed for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on top of four rushing scores last season.
Cousins, for his part, signed the tender as a sign that he wants to stay with the Redskins. If the Redskins use the franchise tag on Cousins in 2018, he will earn north of $34 million in guaranteed money. According to the Washington Post, Cousins can get a four- to five-year contract from the Redskins worth between $90 to $110 million, with $50 million to $60 million in guaranteed money.
Dak Prescott declared Cowboys will win NFC East
Second-year quarterback Dak Prescott guaranteed that the Dallas Cowboys will win the NFC East. Prescott made the claim during the ESPY Awards, according to Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News. The Cowboys will be facing tough opposition from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Redskins, and the New York Giants, but if Prescott picks up where he left off in his rookie season, the Cowboys are set to make the playoffs for the second straight season for the first time since 2007.
In his rookie year, Prescott tossed for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns with just four interceptions, and ran for 282 yards and six touchdowns. He teamed up with fellow rookie, rusher Ezekiel Elliott, who led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Johnny Manziel eyeing comeback
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has been out of football since he was released by the team in 2015.
According to Machota, Manziel has had discussions with NFL teams about a potential return, saying he misses playing football. Earlier, the New Orleans Saints were reported to be interested in Manziel after the quarterback was spotted having breakfast with coach Sean Payton during Super Bowl week. However, Payton clarified that the Saints have no plans to sign Manziel. A 22nd overall pick by the Browns in 2014, Manziel failed to live up to his billing, going just 2-6 as a starter.
