On the first day of NFL free agency, we have a lot of players moving to make deals. Lots of faces going to new places, believing that their presence can make and impact on their new team. The Redskins haven't had the best offseason, letting two of their top receivers leave to sign with new teams in free agency. Not to mention the Kirk Cousins saga. The QB was placed on the exclusive franchise tag about a week ago, and many speculated why Washington wouldn't just try to give him the contract he deserves. Well, it seems like Cousins has had enough of the games, as he has appealed to Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, asking for a trade if there isn't a long-term contract in place.
Proved his worth
Cousins played under the franchise tag this past season, and he has proved his worth to the Redskins front office. He threw for a career-high in passing yards (4,917) last season. He is currently the record holder for most passing yards in a season in Redskins history, breaking his own record in 2015. He also threw 25 touchdowns, and his touchdown to interception ratio is over two. He did what a player under the franchise tag was supposed to do and play with it and prove his worth. Cousins has had two solid seasons, showing he can be the Redskins QB of the future.
He might have the stats to prove his worth, but he doesn't have an overwhelming record. In the past two seasons, the Redskins have an average record of 17-14-1 and a playoff appearance his two years as a starter.
He is in the NFC East which that being a .500 team could give you a playoff birth, but that won't help you when you're playing against better competition.
Trust Issues
With Kirk Cousins being placed under the franchise tag for a second consecutive season, it could only raise eyebrows in the Redskins front office. This shows that someone in a position of power doesn't fully trust Cousins as their starting QB for the long-term.
Under the franchise tag, Washington has until July 15 to come to a long-term deal with Cousins, or he will have to play under the franchise tag which is around $23 million.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder has told Cousins he shouldn't expect a trade, but does that mean they will sit down and try to work things out with him? If the Redskins wanted to trade him, they would have to grant him permission to talk to other teams and work out a long-term deal before hand.
Kirk realizes he lost his two 1,000 yard receivers and will need to find new weapons, which falls on the front office for not keeping the talent there.
This is a mess for Washington, and it seems like there is no end in sight. Cousins wants a long-term deal, or he wants out. Washington has lost any leverage they had and now must work with Cousins to find the solution that best helps their franchise.
