Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins led his team to 9 wins in 2015, and their first NFC East title since 2012 after being named the starter over Robert Griffin III before the season. Despite the stability he provided Washington at the quarterback position, something they have desperately needed for years, the two sides could not agree on a new contract – leading to Cousins' receiving the non-exclusive franchise tag earlier today.
This tag will still allow the team to continue negotiation on a new contract. However, as it stands currently, Cousins will play the 2016 season in Washington for $19.953 million and then immediately become a free agent again next March.
#Redskins GM Scot McCloughan just got back to me and confirmed that #Redskins using franchise tag on Kirk Cousins. @ESPNRadio980
— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) March 1, 2016
While the Redskins can still negotiate with Cousins, so can other teams during this time. Any offer made from another team can potentially be matched by Washington though. An offer they are not willing to match would send Cousins to the highest bidder in exchange for TWO first round draft picks.
Thus, it is safe to say that Cousins will be a Washington Redskin in 2016. It is still concerning that the defending divisional champions were not able to lock up their QB long-term. With the Eagles equally dealing with the free-agent status of Sam Bradford, it would appear the Cowboys with a healthy Tony Romo have the best NFC East QB situation for 2016.
