Washington Redskins: Why Kirk Cousins' contract is irrelevant
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Redskins Quarterback Kirk Cousins and team owner Dan Snyder have one thing in common: The two don't talk publicly about business.
When the Washington Redskins start talking about Kirk Cousins' contract publicly, as in critiques added with a touch of passive aggressive comments, the end will be near. However, this is not the case currently.
Cousins wins when it comes to how he's addressed the media about his contract situation. In addition, he's never publicly flogged the Redskins front office about the lack of a contract. All the man wants to do is play football and be respected for his craft. Life is going on, as it should. Those who feel differently live for the drama and despise the lack of greed. If everything goes as planned, Cousins is expected to hit the $40 million mark in two years. There's very little reason to be greedy.
He's humble, killing all rumors with kindness, and responding with calls for accountability and transparency. In other words, if the Redskins don't want Kirk Cousins, he just wants them to be honest about it. In an interview with the MMQB's Peter King (via the Washington Post), Cousins said, "I want to be where I'm wanted, and that's what I've said all along."
The Redskins have responded. Many of the recent moves have shown they're building a better team for Cousins, and are preparing to move forward with the current scheme of things. Here are a few reasons as to why that makes any discussion, debate, or concern about a Kirk Cousins contract irrelevant.
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The most likely destination now had a QB
Most of the storyline surrounding the Kirk Cousins contract discussion was focused on other options. The San Francisco 49ers considered themselves the best candidate for Cousins because of their new head coach, Kyle Shanahan. As the offensive coordinator, he enjoyed working with Cousins in Washington before moving on, and enjoys Cousins' style of play.
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The fate of that deal was determined during the 2017 NFL Draft when the 49ers picked former Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard. Earlier this month, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported Shanahan hopes the young rookie can evolve and get to Cousins' status one day, the 49ers coach saying:
"Anytime you take someone you want to see the potential to develop someone. Anytime you've got a guy that's fearless, I think he's extremely intelligent, football means the world to him, he really works at it, he's accurate and he can process and play the game very fast in the pocket"
Since then, there have been no other real suitors for Cousins. Being tagged for a second time, while insulting to the average Redskins fan, does provide a depth of stability. The Redskins, with all the new defensive rookies and newly acquired free agent wide receivers don't need to add heavy worry at the position.
Anyone who's a Kirk Cousins fan wants him to get the contract he deserves. Besides that, no one wants to lose him and have to start over with a new quarterback to develop.
Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) talks with Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jay Gruden is about the here and now, not the future
Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has bigger things on his mind than Cousins' contract, like making the playoffs. He's got a truckload of rookies that just arrived, free agents trying to understand their roles on the team, and players desperately trying to make the roster. Cousins makes it easy to do the job.
Gruden, according to Liz Clarke of the Washington Post, is not worried, just focused:
"My approach, really: I'm not gonna be concerned about it…I know he's gonna be here this season, and that's all I care about."
Cousins expressed the same feelings in his actions, training in Florida with his receivers. Gruden knows how well Cousins gets along with everyone behind the scenes, so heavy critiques and chastisement will never happen. Both sides know, at the end of the day, contract talks and drama won't serve up an entrance into the playoffs.
Considering all the talent to improve from last year's performance, there's a lot at stake. Winning the NFC East and getting to the playoffs helps both parties. Gruden is right for moving on with business. The Redskins front office proved this year that anyone at any given time is expendable. Thinking about this season instead of next season keeps that in perspective.
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Cousins' prestigious showings help
For those not on the "Kirk Cousins watch", according to Redskins.com, Cousins set single-season team records with 606 attempts, 406 completions, and in passing (No. 3 in the league) for 4,917. He matched the team record with seven 300-yard passing games. Cousins also posted the third-highest completion percentage (67.0) and tied for the sixth-most passing touchdowns in a season in team history (25).
In addition, Cousins moved up 15 spots to No. 70 in the NFL's annual Top 100 list this week. That list is voted on by players in the league. Last season he was ranked No. 85. He has come a long way from being the back up quarterback for the now unemployed Robert Griffin III. With numbers like his, there's no concern about a contract.
Eventually someone is going to take notice, if they haven't already. If the Redskins don't offer him a contract this year nor next year, chances are this will eventually come back to haunt them across the sidelines. Building a player of this caliber only to let them go and play against you doesn't make sense, but it happens in the NFL. The Redskins, if Cousins has another successful season, will run out reasons not to give him a contract. Until then, the contract is irrelevant.
