On March 1st, the Redskins did what most thought they would do: placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins. After weeks of speculation, with the majority of predictions having the Redskins exercising one of the franchise tag options by the March 1st deadline, vs. coming to terms on a long-term deal, the official decision was made. So what happens next and when? What do the Redskins want? What does Kirk Cousins want?
Prior to the tag being placed, Team President, Bruce Allen has said, "Kirk wants to be a Washington Redskin, and we want Kirk to be a Redskin." And then General Manager, Scot McCloughan similarly stated back in February, "I want Kirk here and Kirk wants to be here." And then this past week, McCloughan once again reiterated that "Kirk will be here a long time." While the tag has been placed at the moment, an agreement on a long-term deal can still be reached by July 15th. Though Cousins has said that he is comfortable playing the 2016 season under the tag if needed, I believe both sides will still find a way to come to an agreement by the deadline. Yes, there are risks on both sides to not get a long-term deal done now. And there are also risks on both sides to get a long-term deal done now.
From the Redskins side, there is always the risk that to not sign Cousins to a long-term deal and let him play the '16 season under the tag, Cousins could ball out and perhaps play similarly- or maybe even out perform his '15 season. Either one of these scenarios would certainly set his market value even higher and bring him an even greater long-term deal, vs what could likely be had now. Of course on the flip side if Cousins doesn't play as well and perhaps shows that last year was somewhat of a perfect storm and fluke (which I don't think will be the case), then this would bode well for the Redskins from a contractual and salary standpoint and not lock them into the risk of a hefty, long-term deal right now that may not prove to be best. Now if this is the case and Cousins doesn't play well, though the Redskins won't be at risk for as much financially and would have dodged a bullet, this would of course not be the best scenario! It would be a far more devastating scenario. Because, this would mean that we don't have the franchise QB we hope and think we have! In the NFL, every team would love to be in a position of having a solid, franchise QB who they could spend $16-25M on, vs not having a franchise QB and not spending that kind of $. Yes, it would cost the Redskins a lot more to not have a franchise QB and be swimming in constant mediocrity while searching for the next QB answer, then to heavily invest in a QB! Simply put, to let Cousins play under the franchise tag this year from the Redskins perspective would be a prove-it-to-us kind of scenario. Show us that 2015 wasn't a fluke, and we'll appropriately reward you with the mega (again, likely more than what could be reached this year) long-term deal.
From Kirk Cousins side, there of course is risk as well to not accept a solid long-term deal and play under the tag in 2016. What if he did regress? Or perhaps even worse, wonder if he was to get seriously injured? Either of these scenarios would be disastrous for him and could certainly cost him a lucrative, more guaranteed deal for years to come. But from what we know about Kirk, I actually think he has no problem- and perhaps would even thrive- by betting on himself. Earlier this month when Cousins was asked how he would respond if no long-term deal was reached by the July 15 deadline, he said "I am totally comfortable playing more football, and frankly, if I don't play well next season, I don't deserve to be back. I don't deserve to have a long-term deal. I want to go out and earn it, and prove myself, and if I need to prove myself again, that's fine. I'll go see if I can do that."
Kirk has always had to overcome adversity, and do things that no one thought he could do. When he was in high school, he wanted to play basketball, but was told by his coach that the only position for him would be third-string point guard. But he quickly emerged as the starting point guard. Then at Michigan State, he was offered a scholarship only after MSU was turned down by their top choice. And then when Cousins came to MSU, they then recruited Nick Foles who they planned to be the top guy. But once again, Cousins would prove better, beating out Foles, leading Foles to transfer. But it wouldn't stop there as MSU brought in yet another QB prospect, Keith Nichol, who was also targeted as their top QB choice. But yet again, Cousins proved better, beating out Nichol and would finally be the guy. Cousins would go on to have a solid career at MSU and quickly develop his "Captain Comeback" reputation. One of the best examples of this was in 2011 on the dramatic Hail Mary TD vs. Wisconsin!
Yes, Cousins had a very solid career at MSU. He seemed to have a flair for the dramatic moments as he often brought his team from behind and really stepped up in clutch situations. In his final game at MSU, he led his squad to a dramatic, triple OT win vs. Georgia in the Outback Bowl. He was a hard worker. He was a respected player on and off the field. He was humble. And he was a winner. The winningest QB in the history of MSU football.
Cousins would end up participating in the Senior Bowl, and playing for the North squad. And Redskins HC, Mike Shanahan would coach the South squad, and get his first up close look at the MSU graduate, both during and outside of the game in a lengthy conversation. So when the 2012 NFL draft rolled around, while on one level it was a shocker that the Redskins took Cousins after going all-in on RG3, it still wasn't that shocking, given Shanahan's quality time spent with Kirk, and no doubt evaluating him further after that time.
Personally, I thought it was great move when Shanahan drafted him. Even though I was bullish and emphatic about wanting RG3 to be the guy- and didn't want any kind of a typical Redskins QB "controversy" to step in the way and hinder this- I still knew enough about Cousins to know that not only was he a quality QB who had won and played well in the clutch, but he also seemed like a classy and humble guy. If anything, perhaps he would serve as a way to eventually be traded and bring the 'Skins back some of the compensation given up for Griffin!
How would Cousins contribute to the Redskins? When? Well, that question was answered fairly quickly in his 2012 rookie season when Griffin got injured in the Baltimore game. The Redskins were surging, going for their 4th straight win and marching towards the playoffs. In stepped Cousins in a huge situation and immediately showed Redskins Nation (and the NFL) an example of how he got his reputation while at MSU. With the Redskins trailing 28-20 and facing a 2nd & 20 at the Ravens 25 yard line, he connected with Leonard Hankerson for 15 yards. Then on 3rd & 5, he connected with Pierre Garcon for the TD. Still trailing 28-26 and needing to go for 2 for the tie and force OT, Cousins executed a brilliant QB draw for the dramatic tie. The Redskins would go on to win in OT and get that all important, 4th straight win. Then the next week when Griffin was unavailable to play vs the Browns, in stepped Cousins to lead the Redskins to their 5th straight win, 38-21 over the Browns. And Cousins was very impressive in his first NFL start, going 26-37, for 329 yards and 2 TD's. And now with what he accomplished in the past couple of weeks, it could reasonably be said that the draft pick was already well worth it and paid immediate dividends. And as we know, Griffin would come back the next week and lead the Redskins the rest of the way towards a 7 game win streak and division title.
Now what really impressed me about Cousins during his rookie season, and over the next couple of seasons while serving as the backup to Griffin, was his humility, hard work ethic, being a team guy and not complaining, and ultimately his desire to do whatever he could do support Griffin and the team, no matter what direction they decided to go. For Cousins, no doubt this had to be difficult, being a highly successful QB out of MSU who had starting QB aspirations in the NFL. But he was patient, and kept working hard to prepare for if and when the day may come when he would play regularly, whether it be with the Redskins or someone else. His character is what has always impressed me the most. For more of an up close view into who Cousins is and what he believes, check out his book, "Game Changer". In talking about his life on and off the field, Cousins would say, "At the end of the day, it's not about me. I've got to put other people ahead of me. That's not just on the football field as a quarterback, that's in life. That's just being a servant, and to me what it means to follow Jesus and be a Christian, so I'm going to put my teammates ahead of me."
During his many QB interviews as a backup, Cousins would repeatedly say how "this is Robert's team", and "I just want to be a servant" and do what he could to help the team however he could. While he never wavered in his confidence, personal ability, and desire to play, he handled his role as a backup with sheer class and humility. And when Cousins talked about leadership, he emphasized his biblical role and desire of being a "servant leader", and how leadership was primarily about influence and his desire to influence his teammates for Christ.
As much as I was absolutely all in for RG3 for so long and still thought he should be the guy, even leading up to the 2015 season, I also loved Cousins and thought that if by chance he was to ever become the starting QB for my 'Skins, it would be a great story.
Well, 2015 would indeed become that time as Jay Gruden made the surprising announcement prior to the season that "Kirk has earned the right to be the starting quarterback for 2015."
Now, it's time to reflect on the magnificent 2015 season that Cousins had. Back at the end of the pre-season when Cousins was entrusted to be the guy, I thought that perhaps at best he would go for something like 24 TD's, 18 INT's, 3,400 yards, and around an 80 QB rating. My hope was that maybe, just maybe there would be an infusion of confidence in Kirk- now knowing he had the job full-time- and so between that, and the fact that he now had more experience under his belt, hopefully his game could take off to new heights. But what we saw unfold was borderline astounding. Kirk emerged to have top 5-10 QB stats in several categories last year: completion %- 1st in league (and #7 ALL-TIME), #5 in QB rating, and #6 in total QBR. Is he now an "elite" QB? Can't say that yet. But we can say he had an "elite" season. Winning the division. Breaking club records. And leading several key game winning clutch drives, including the greatest comeback in Redskins history, in what would famously be known as the "You Like That?" game, which would ultimately fuel and unite the team, and the fans, down the stretch and be a rallying cry!
Here is another clip from last season that showed up close, Cousins' poise, leadership, humility, talent, and enthusiasm. This is exactly the kind of guy you want at the helm under center!
Cousins is now arguably on the "Mt Rushmore" for best QB seasons in Redskins history with guys like Jurgenson, Baugh, Rypien, and RG3.
As previously mentioned, I have always liked Cousins, and thought that he could eventually be a pretty good QB in the right situation. Elite? Though I didn't think that was likely, maybe a top half of the league QB one day. Again, I thought it was a great move to initially draft him for added insurance and possibly to eventually trade for a good haul in return as Griffin soared. I admittedly saw RG3- especially back in '12- as having what I thought to be the greater upside, especially w/his added "turbo" speed, and incredibly strong and accurate arm, as he arguably had the greatest rookie season EVER for a QB while taking the league by storm. Griffin started his career as a potential league-changing, multi-dimensional QB, who could revolutionize the game at his position and do things never done before. I thought for a while that Griffin would and should be the guy long-term. Still, after the injury in '12 and his intention to develop more into a pocket QB, it became obvious (especially in '14 season) that Cousins was the better pocket QB between the two, and that until/IF RG3 would develop into a better pocket QB, Cousins may in fact be the better option, as someone who played in and was developed into a more prototypical NFL pocket system QB in college. But of course, what do I know?!
My main fear, starting near the end of the '13 season- and then in '14- was that the Redskins franchise, media, and fans would prematurely and impatiently give up on RG3. And worst of all, cut him prematurely. Then, he would probably go somewhere else and tear it up. It seemed to me at least that Gruden either wouldn't, or perhaps couldn't scheme it up to suit RG3's strengths in more of a zone/read option scheme. Also, would RG3 want to play in this kind of scheme? Then on top of this, would he stay healthy?
Still, even though I had personally thought for a while that RG3 should be the guy long-term, more than anything I wanted to WIN. I wanted to win with a FRANCHISE (long-term & successful) QB- who was currently on the roster. The worst scenario would have been that neither Robert, Kirk, or even Colt would be good starters long-term, and that we would once again have to push the always consistent QB re-set button, and try to find that next guy.
But near the middle of last season, it became clear to me that Cousins needs to be extended long-term. THIS is indeed the guy to build the team around. Am I convinced he has arrived and will consistently be as dominating (perhaps more!), and a top 5-10- perhaps even top 5 QB every year? Though I don't think we can say this yet, there is still reason to hope. Let's see what the next 2-3 years bring. Still, it looks to be heading in that direction and I'm all in! I'm very excited about the state of this franchise with Cousins clear emergence.
And now for a couple other things to ponder that I was thinking about near the end of the last season:
First, who had the better season? Griffin in '12, or Cousins in '15? Though Griffin's explosive running added to how staggering his season was, Cousins' overall passing stats were perhaps even better!
Second, and this is a staggering thought: what if the unthinkable, heartbreaking scenario wouldn't have happened: what if RG3 NEVER got hurt in '12?! Where would this franchise be? Think about this. If he never gets hurt there is no question, Cousins would have absolutely been traded that offseason! But now, could it be that perhaps the injury- though unspeakably painful and devastating at the time- could have ultimately served to allow the best long-term scenario to unfold for the Redskins? That the better long-term QB- Cousins, would end of being the franchise QB, rather than be traded after the '12 season? Out of all the bad moves the 'Skins have made over the years, perhaps one of the best moves was to not trade Cousins after RG3 got hurt!
So yes, my position is that the Redskins absolutely need to do what it takes to lock up Cousins long term right now. Is it a roll of the dice to do it now, vs waiting a little longer to make him prove it? Sure. But I think it's a calculated risk worth taking, not only because I believe in Cousins but also because of the supply and demand of quality QB's in the market around the league. If the Redskins were to ever let Cousins go, he would get scooped up very quickly and paid a premium by one of the many QB-starved teams. The bottom line is that not only are there a lot of teams who desperately need QB's now, but there are also a lot of the top QB's now who are getting up in age and won't be around too much longer. The baton will soon be passed on (like with Manning retiring last year), and the league will soon need a massive infusion of the next line of top QB's to usher in a new era. I believe Cousins will be among them. And I hope and think it will be while wearing the Burgundy & Gold.
