The Washington Redskins are reportedly not close to a long-term deal with quarterback Kirk Cousins, and no deal is expected to come anytime soon, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Washington's front office and Cousins reportedly haven't gained any traction in contract talks, and long-term contract discussions are expected to really happen once they have placed the franchise tag on him, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
The Redskins quarterback broke the franchise record of passing yards in a single season, and finished the year with career-highs in completion percentage (69.8), yards (4,166), and touchdowns (29). The Redskins are expected to release quarterback Robert Griffin III this offseason, and backup quarterback Colt McCoy is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Redskins have all their chips in with Cousins, but won't want to overpay for their future franchise quarterback. Placing the franchise tag on Cousins gives the Redskins front office until July 15 to work out a long-term extension, and allows the two sides time to try and work out a deal.
General Manager Scot McCloughan has made it known that signing Cousins to a long-term contract is the top priority this offseason, but that the franchise tag has always been an option. For right now it looks as though the contract talks are on hold, but will resume once the Redskins have placed the tag on Cousins.
Cousins' teammates such as defensive tackle Chris Baker and wide receiver Pierre Garçon have come out in support of their quarterback asking the organization to pay the man. It will be interesting to watch how this plays out over the offseason, but nothing is reportedly expected to happen in the next two weeks other than Cousins receiving the franchise tag.
