5 Reasons Washington Redskins Should Re-Sign Kirk Cousins
The Washington Redskins have a decision to make regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins, but the right call is to give the quarterback a long-term deal.
Kirk Cousins is a bit of a controversial player. Some people think he’s a good quarterback, while others refuse to admit it.
I’m among those who think that Cousins is a good quarterback. As it stands right now, you could make the argument that he’s the second best quarterback in the NFC East. But what I think doesn’t really matter since I’m not a decision-maker for the Washington Redskins.
Alas, the team faces an important decision regarding the most important position in football. It’s the good, old-fashioned “should we bring back our quarterback with a long-term deal?” conundrum.
Washington failed to strike a long-term deal a year ago. Because of that, Cousins entered the 2016 season playing on a one-year deal by way of the franchise tag. Now, with two full seasons as the starting quarterback, Cousins has earned a new contract from the Skins. He’s proven to be the best quarterback they’ve had in quite some time and he’s already made people forget all about Robert Griffin III’s impressive first year. The question, though, is if Washington will be willing to play ball and pay Cousins what he’s worth in this market.
Here are five reasons why the Washington Redskins should re-sign Kirk Cousins in the 2017 offseason.
Nov 20, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) celebrates on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
5. He Deserves It
Silly catchphrases and overall goofy, dad-like personality aside, Kirk Cousins has more than earned a new contract. What he did in 2015 was tremendously impressive, especially when you consider he didn’t have the opportunity to prepare as the starting quarterback in the offseason. He was always the afterthought to Robert Griffin III.
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But that, of course, changed when Cousins led the Redskins to the NFC East crown last year. Cousins was simply fantastic a year ago, and he’s been nearly as good this year as well. You could really make the argument that Cousins has saved Jay Gruden’s job. If it weren’t for Cousins’ brilliance a year ago, Gruden likely would’ve gotten the boot.
When you look at it, he’s exceeded all expectations. For being a third-round pick, Cousins has done far more than anyone could’ve anticipated. He’s given Washington the kind of production the thought it would get from RG3. And Cousins has a number of clutch, signature games to his name as well. The most notable one was his epic comeback against Tampa Bay a year ago. In the NFL, you can indeed put a price tag on performance—and Cousins’ play has raised his price to a hefty, long-term deal.
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is congratulated by fans after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at FedEx Field. The Washington Redskins won 26 – 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
4. Familiarity
Washington drafted Cousins in the third round of the 2012 Draft. That, of course, was the same draft the team took the then-franchise QB Robert Griffin III. Cousins has outlasted RG3 and he’s been in D.C. ever since 2012. Cousins knows the city and he also knows how to win.
More importantly than geographic comfort, Cousins also understands the system he’s operating in. He’s shown he can light it up through the air and he’s made a litany of plays. The dude knows what he’s doing and he knows all the calls at the line.
He’s developed chemistry with his wide receivers. But more importantly, he’s developed chemistry with tight end Jordan Reed. What Cousins and Reed have is special and they’re nearly unstoppable when they’re on the same page—and when the latter is actually healthy and on the field.
With a new quarterback, there’s an inherent learning curve and acclimation period. Bringing in a new quarterback would likely be detrimental, especially with the NFC East appearing to be back to being one of the NFL’s top divisions.
Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder stands on the field prior to the Redskins game against the Detroit Lions at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
3. Consistency
Redskins’ owner Dan Snyder doesn’t exactly have a sterling reputation among the NFL. Whether it be the team’s tendency to whiff on free agents or Snyder playing favorite with his players, the organization is a bit murky. So what would it say to potential free agents if Washington failed to reward its quarterback after two good seasons?
I don’t think that would be a good look for the team as a whole. I mean, who wants to play for a team that turned their back on their leader? Furthermore, what does it say to the players who are on the Redskins if the ownership is so comfortable getting rid of the team’s leader? If I had to guess, I would say failing to re-sign Cousins would send a bad message to the rest of the locker room.
The team needs to reward its players for playing well. Declining to extend Cousins would likely leave a sour taste in a lot of players’ mouths. The team would have to view Cousins pretty lowly to not extend him. I think it’s a mark of a good organization to reward hard work and dedication and, more importantly, quality play. Cousins has showcased all three of those things during his time as the team’s starting quarterback.
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
2. Numbers Don’t Lie
Since taking over the starting gig full-time in 2015, Cousins has been dynamite. Last year, he led all starting quarterbacks in completion percentage, connecting on 69.8 percent of his passes. That number trumped Tom Brady‘s, Drew Brees‘ and MVP Cam Newton‘s efficiency. If you’re big into statistics, then you have to appreciate what Cousins has done.
Additionally, Cousins finished 2015 with a 101.6 quarterback rating, which was better than Brees’, Newton’s, Ben Roethlisberger‘s and Aaron Rodgers‘. This year, Cousins has been efficient as well, completing 67.5 percent of his passes for 4,045 yards. He’s also only thrown nine interceptions compared to 23 touchdowns, showing his good decision-making. He’s on pace to top his impressive 2015 in terms of yardage.
In 29 games as the starter in Washington, Cousins has accumulated 8,211 yards, 52 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, a 68.6 completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 100.95. That’s pretty damn good. Additionally, in his 29 games as a starter, Washington holds a 16-12-1, which again, is pretty good.
He’s been an upper-half quarterback who has proven to be accurate.
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
1. What’s the Alternative?
People who insist Washington should get rid of Cousins act like it’s easy to find a franchise quarterback. There’s really no good reason for the Redskins to not bring back Cousins. He knows the system and he’s proven to be a good quarterback. So why make a drastic change, hoping something better will come around?
What are they going to do at quarterback if it’s not Cousins under center? Would the team roll with Colt McCoy next year? Or would Washington opt to use an early-round draft pick on a quarterback? Could signing another quarterback in free agency be in the fold? Or perhaps an RG3 reunion—joking, of course.
Nothing’s really broken with Cousins at quarterback, so why make a drastic shakeup and fix things? Remember, the Skins took a long time to find a quarterback as good as Cousins. RG3, Donavon McNabb, Jason Campbell and others all came around before Cousins. Cousins has proven to be the best out of all of those quarterbacks, so I don’t understand why Washington wouldn’t want to hold on to him.
Basically, the Redskins have a very good quarterback at the helm. The team knows what it has with Cousins. By opting for an alternative route, the Redskins would be putting faith in the unknown. I just don’t understand why the Skins would let Cousins walk and embrace the unknown.
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