Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins led Washington back to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 this past season and proved himself to be a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL with his play on the field. Cousins becomes an unrestricted free agent in March, and the two sides were "nowhere close to a new deal" following the Senior Bowl, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora.
The Redskins reportedly may have to apply the franchise tag on their young quarterback, and Washington is willing do so, even if it costs them $19 million, according to La Canfora. The hope is that if they franchise him, then they will be able to work out a multi-year contract extension prior to next season to keep him in Washington long term.
Cousins had an impressive season in 2015, setting career highs in completion percentage (69.8), touchdowns (29) and yards (4,166). The Redskins fourth-year quarterback played well in his first postseason game in the NFL, completing 63 percent of his passes for 329 yards and a touchdown. Cousins proved to be a threat with his feet, as well, and scrambled for six touchdowns, including one against Green Bay in the wild card round of the playoffs.
The Redskins are willing to let players like running back Alfred Morris test free agency this offseason but will reportedly look to lockup Cousins one way or another. Washington has had a franchise quarterback drought for years, and while they thought they had found the face of the franchise in Robert Griffin III in the 2012 draft, it was really Cousins who they selected three rounds later.
