Don’t expect quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Washington Redskins to agree to a long-term extension before Friday’s deadline for franchise-tagged players.
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report was told by one person close to negotiations that there is a “3-5 percent chance” the two sides agree to a new deal before the deadline, while Jason La Canfora of CBS gave the extension a one percent chance of happening, the lowest among all franchise-tagged players.
“From the moment Washington applied the tag, and Cousins almost instantly signed it, it was clear he was going to be playing 2016 on the tag, and nothing that’s transpired since has diverted from that course at all,” La Canfora wrote. “And barring something totally shocking (i.e., owner Dan Snyder doing a 180 on Friday afternoon), nothing will occur to alter that path.”
If no deal is signed by Friday, Cousins will be left to play the 2016 season on the one-year franchise tender, worth $19.95 million. The two sides will be unable to negotiate a new deal until after next season.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported last week that a deal isn’t happening.
A former fourth-round pick, Cousins took over the starting job last season and produced a career-changing year—throwing for 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while helping lead Washington to the NFC East title. The Redskins gave him the franchise tag to keep him out of free agency, where he could have commanded a significant, multi-year contract.
Washington will pay Cousins almost $20 million for the 2016 season, but that’s a palatable price to pay to find out if he’s actually a legitimate long-term answer as a franchise quarterback.
“By waiting, the team can see if his performance last season was the beginning of more excellence to come (which I think is the case) or a fluke,” Freeman wrote.
The obvious should be confirmed by Friday afternoon: Kirk Cousins will be playing out the 2016 season on the franchise tag.
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