The Washington Redskins are planning to sign Kirk Cousins long term this offseason, but if a deal doesn't get done, the team could use the franchise tag on the quarterback. Robert Griffin is expected to be released this offseason and that makes keeping Cousins a priority.
Cousins is coming off of a strong season after being named the starter over Griffin by Jay Gruden and now he will be looking to cash in as a free agent. Cousins said after the season that he is hoping to stay with the team and the Redskins said to the media that they plan on trying to build around Cousins long term. CSN Washington reports that the two sides have opened contract talks, with Bruce Allen saying that "we feel good. Kirk wants to be a Washington Redskin. It will work itself out."
General manager Scot McCloughan spoke about the QB situation with the Washington Post, saying that while the team isn't planning to talk "contract stuff" in the media, the team wants Cousins back for next season. McCloughan also commented on Robert Griffin, saying that no decision has yet been made about the quarterback and that he remains "under contract." Griffin is expected to be released this offseason, as he has a $16 million option for next season that will kick in when the new league year begins.
Cousins is in an interesting spot, as he is hitting free agency while he is young and coming off of his best career season. Cousins is a priority for the Redskins, as Griffin's future with the team is basically done and Colt McCoy is a free agent. Cousins could negotiate for a big deal after passing for 29 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions last season and the Redskins may have to meet his demands. According to Jason La Canfora at CBS Sports, the two sides are "nowhere close" to a deal and the team may potentially use the franchise tag to keep him off the market.
The Redskins also have Alfred Morris heading to the open market and there is a chance that he could leave as a free agent. The team is reportedly planning to let Morris test the market, as Allen said to CSN Washington that if Morris "gets a great contract [elsewhere], we're going to applaud him. If not, we're going to see what happens with us." Morris rushed for 751 yards last season after going over 1000 yards in each of his first three seasons.
