The Washington Redskins are in position to win the NFC East division this season after another strong performance from Kirk Cousins. Cousins and his strong play has put the Redskins in position to move on from Robert Griffin III and the trade or release of the quarterback in 2016 is likely.
Cousins led the Redskins to a victory over the Bills in Week 15 and with the Eagles and Giants both losing, the team has a strong chance at making the playoffs. Cousins was put in as the starter over Robert Griffin by Jay Gruden this season and while many wondered if he could handle the job, the team now is in position to make the playoffs. Cousins has had his bad moments, but overall he has been consistent at quarterback for the Redskins, which is something that Robert Griffin could not do over the past couple years.
Cousins has played well for the Redskins this season and the team may try and sign the quarterback to a contract extension before he hits free agency. According CBS Sports, Jason La Canfora reports that the team wants to sign Cousins to an extension before he hits free agency and if that doesn't happen, the team will use the franchise tag on Cousins. Cousins has played well and that could give him the chance to try and make some money on the open market, but the Redskins may not let him get that far.
Cousins is still on his rookie contract and it will expire after this season and that puts the Redskins in position to try and work out an extension. Cousins has 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season while passing for 3625 yards and he has quieted many critics who wanted the team to give RG3 another chance. If Cousins makes the playoffs it's very unlikely that Griffin will be around in 2016. "He isn't leaving there; absolutely no way (general manager) Scot (McCloughan) is letting him walk," said an unidentified source, according to CBS Sports.
Griffin has been mentioned in trade rumors this year, but the Redskins did not get any major offers for the quarterback at the deadline. According to NFL.com, Ian Rapoport reports that a number of teams could be interested in Griffin for next year, including the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. Rapoport writes that the trade or release of Griffin is an option and that those teams mentioned could be a fit for the quarterback.
Griffin's future in Washington does not look bright, as he has a contract option for next season that is guaranteed for injury only and with Cousins playing well under Jay Gruden, there is almost no chance he gets another shot at starting. DeSean Jackson came into the week with a knee injury, but he was healthy on Sunday and had a big game for the Redskins. Jackson put up six catches for 153 yards and one touchdown and he looked explosive once again after being banged up most of the season.
