The Washington Redskins reportedly plan to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins to a long-term deal and will apply the franchise tag to keep him in 2016 if necessary, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
The Redskins are currently battling to stay in the NFC playoff picture, and with a win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday 35-25, Washington stays in first place in the NFC east at 7-7. Cousins' rookie contract expires after this season, and the team is reportedly seeking to sign him to an extension, according to La Canfora.
Reports surfaced back in November that Cousins' contract would likely depend on how the team finishes the season, and with another win on Sunday, he looks to be set up for a lucrative contract very soon. Several NFL executives have reportedly looked to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith as a comparison in terms of a possible future contract for the Redskins quarterback. Smith signed a four-year contract worth $68 million with a guaranteed $45 million right before the start of the 2014 season.
Cousins has a phenomenal day on Sunday, throwing for 319 yards with four touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown. The Redskins' soon to be franchise quarterback has played well in his fourth year in the league, throwing over 3,300 yards with 18 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.
While Cousins may never become one of the top-tier quarterbacks on the NFL level, he has clearly proven he can lead a team on the field and lead them to victories with his arm. The Redskins still have two divisional games left on their schedule in the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, and expect Cousins to earn a big contract if he finishes this season with the Redskins at the top of the NFC East.
