Cousins Focusing On Finish, Not Future

Is Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins facing his final days wearing the burgundy and gold?

- Rick Snider

It’s impossible to tell, but there are telling signs on both sides. And yet, only Cousins knows and he’s not tipping his negotiating tactics.

A leaked report from the Redskins front office said the team needed to see the passer over the season’s final month before deciding whether to retain Cousins. The report also said the team wouldn’t place the $28 million transition tag on Cousins that would allow him to negotiate with other teams while Washington could retain him with an equal deal. The choices are either pay the $34.5 million franchise tag or start over at quarterback.

There was another report that Redskins receivers don’t like Cousins. Frankly, both reports should be taken as gossip that comes with pending free agents. It’s just backroom negotiating. It’s the same as reports Washington is negotiating a long-term deal with linebacker Zach Brown. The problem is the team has no money left on the cap to offer as a bonus and Brown can simply wait until free agency begins in March to view other deals.

But most of the speculation around Cousins revolves outside Redskins Park. Inside, Cousins and the rest of the team are simply soldiering on through the final weeks.

“We want to see everybody continue to compete and finish out the season,” coach Jay Gruden said. “You know, this is a 16-game season and you’re not graded on one game, you’re graded on the whole body of work. And your body of work is your career. I just want to see steady growth and progression – and that’s what [Cousins has] given us so far.