Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins is coming off a surprising breakout year in 2015 when he led the Redskins to their first post-season berth since 2012. A former fourth-round pick, Cousins will likely be playing under the franchise tag this year which is worth north of $19 million. The two sides continue to negotiate a long-term deal, with the disparity in annual salary around $4 million.
Though Washington is not expected to reach an agreement with Cousins before the July 15 deadline, fans shouldn't fret over their QB's uncertain future. General manager Scot McCloughan assured everyone that Cousins belongs in D.C.
"Kirk will be here a long time," McCloughan said while speaking at linebacker Ryan Kerrigan's Leukemia and Lymphoma Society golf tournament. "The way I look at it, I want to do a win-win. For the organization, we take care of our franchise quarterback, and for him, financially he's taken care of. But we're dealing with another entity with the agent and they're thinking what they want to think. It's a back and forth. That's the way it works.
"If it's not done by July 15, don't worry, we'll get something figured out."
Echoing McCloughan's sentiments, Cousins isn't overly concerned with his contract situation either. He's focused and improving his game and earning a long-term deal on the field this season.
"I'll let my play do the talking and try to get better and you allow the team and the agent to handle the rest," Cousins said. "There's plenty of time. As a result, I don't think a lot gets done or happens when you have plenty of time."
Cousins finds himself in an unexpected advantageous position compared to just a year ago when he was still backing up starter Robert Griffin III. At that time, Cousins' primary concern was just getting on the field. Now, he's playing for franchise quarterback money.
"Things are different than a year ago, and I'm sure a year from now it will be a lot different," Cousins said. "As you know, nothing in this league is promised to you. Whether it's a one-year deal or a 10-year deal, I have to prove myself every game and every year. I feel very established in my role and excited to take advantage of the opportunity, which is a phenomenal opportunity."
