While Kirk Cousins is heading into free agency, fans of the Washington Redskins can rest easy. The team reportedly has no plans on letting its quarterback leave.
In an interview with 106.7 The Fan’s Grant and Danny, MMQB’s Peter King said in no uncertain terms that Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan isn’t letting his quarterback go anywhere.
“I’m sure that McCloughan is not gonna let him get away,” King said, via CSN Mid-Atlantic’s JP Finlay. “They will franchise him if they have to.”
King also raved about Cousins’ work ethic and focus.
“He is possessed,” King said. “He’s gonna be good I think for a long time.”
The franchise tag is never ideal, especially at a high-priced position like quarterback. The projected number for quarterbacks in 2016 is $19.75 million.
The better idea for both the team and Cousins would be to agree on a long-term deal. But whether that happens or Washington resorts to the franchise tag, the fact that he’s coming back is good news for the Redskins and their fans.
Cousins will be only 28 in 2016 and was a star in his first full year as the team’s starting quarterback. He completed just under 70 percent of his passes, throwing for 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, finishing the 2015 season with a 101.6 passer rating.
Washington also won five of their last six games, including the final four, to finish 9-7 and win the NFC East title.