The Washington Redskins have some work to do this offseason after losing to the Packers in the playoffs and the top priority is signing Kirk Cousins to a new contract. Cousins, Alfred Morris and Junior Gallette are among the top free agents hitting the market for the Redskins and there is a chance all three could return.
Cousins is the top priority for the Redskins after the quarterback led the team to the postseason and had one of the best statistical seasons in team history. Head coach Jay Gruden went with Cousins over Robert Griffin III and now Cousins is set to hit the market in free agency. Griffin is all but done in Washington and he likely will be released this offseason, leaving Cousins as the main option going forward. Gruden has said that the team plans on building around Cousins and now the next step is to sign him to a deal.
General manager Scot McCloughan spoke with the Washington Post about the Redskins plans in free agency and he said that the team wants to work out a "long term deal" with Cousins. McCloughan said that "of course I'd like to have him around," but did not discuss contract terms or details about negotiations. Cousins is in an interesting spot, as he proved that he has the goods to start in the NFL and is hitting free agency at a time when his value is higher than it ever has been.
Cousins wants to be in place where he is "wanted" and clearly the Redskins want him, but Cousins also could make a decent amount of money if he tests the market and where he is in his career, he may want to do that. The Redskins are in decent position, but they also don't have much of a backup plan if Cousins leaves, as Griffin looks like he is going to be released. Cousins likely isn't going anywhere since the team can use the franchise tag on him, but it will be interesting to see how negotiations go.
Alfred Morris is hitting free agency and the running back could be an option to return for the Redskins. Morris spoke with ESPN and said that his "goal" is to sign back with the Redskins and that he would like to play with one team for his whole career. Morris did not have a great season in 2015, his first without at least 1000 yards and that could allow the Redskins to get him back at below-market value. Gallette is also hitting the market and according to Mike Jones, the linebacker wants to come back to the Redskins.
The Redskins may also consider freeing up some cap space by releasing players this offseason and both Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson could be potential cuts. Garcon has a better chance of staying over Jackson, who dealt with injuries this season and will have a $9 million cap hit for next season. Jackson had 30 catches in nine games for the Redskins while dealing with injuries.