Photo Credit: Mark Tenally/ AP Photo
When Kirk Cousins took the Redskins to the playoffs this year, it seemed like they had found their guy. Maybe not, because both parties have suspended contract talks. At age 27, Cousins is about to enter the prime of his career, but should Washington pay Cousins or let him walk in free agency?
The obvious answer is to keep Cousins. He gave the city hope in the wake of the “loss” of Robert Griffin III who was their crowning achievement just a few season ago. Cousins had a career season, with a completion percentage of 69.8, throwing for almost 5,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. His versatility, however, was one of the reasons why the team found so much success. He was able to have eyes all over the field, finding different targets to hit, especially his go-to guy Jordan Reed.
That good of a season doesn’t just happen overnight. Having to sit behind Griffin for almost four years had to give Cousins a sense of urgency. Maybe, it was the fact that he knew he had to shine or he’d lose that starting job. However, Washington could decide to go a completely different direction. They could use a draft pick to find a cheaper option at quarterback instead of staying with Cousins or even try giving Colt McCoy a shot.
The beginning of the season, no one predicted that Washington would go as far as they did; everyone counted them out and with good reason. Now, it looks like they could be a contender in the NFC East again. Unfortunately, they will be fighting against three hungry teams who are all coming off disappointing seasons. The Cowboys lost quarterback Tony Romo early in the season and never found their way after that and the Eagles and Giants just did a complete coaching overhaul which could light a spark in one of those teams. The possibilities in that divisions are wide open, but the one thing that isn’t is Cousins. If Washington decides to keep Cousins, they have a franchise quarterback for at least a few more years. Talking about franchise quarterbacks brings up another interesting possibility for the team because they could also use the franchise tag which would give the team control over him for another season.
No matter what route Washington decides to go down, the world is at Cousins’ feet. If Washington doesn’t want him, someone else can and will go after him, especially with many teams in need of a quarterback like the Browns or Texans. Washington needs to figure out a game plan for Cousins and his contract or he’ll walk away without looking back.
