Kirk Cousins, after one really amazing half-season, wants to get paid like an elite NFL quarterback.
The Washington Redskins have reportedly offered him “upwards of $16 million” per season, and he’s not buying that number. Per Albert Breer of NFL Network, the quarterback wants upwards of $20 million per season on a long-term deal with Washington.
This explains why both parties were on the same page as it relates to using the franchise tag on Cousins, which is right about $20 million.
After seeing Sam Bradford sign a two-year deal worth up to $40 million with the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s not surprising at all that Cousins is seeking such riches.
There really is no better time to be an average quarterback. Former NFL receiver Donte Stallworth said as much Tuesday night after Bradford hauled in his pile of cash, and he encouraged all kids wanting to play football to throw, throw throw (even linebackers).
Cousins was quite remarkable during the final 10 games of Washington’s season. He finished the season with 4.166 yards, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes with 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
But it’s important to remember Nick Foles looked like that once, back in 2013 when he threw 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He’s all kinds of awful right now for the Los Angeles Rams. Such a fate could certainly fall on Washington, which is doing the right thing letting Cousins prove it one more year.