I cannot believe that folks are hesitating about this QB. The argument that the Skins did not want him is just ignorant of the facts (no offense intended). They tagged him two year straight which is a clear sign they did not want to lose him. They never tried to trade him otherwise he would have been traded (there were probably conversations). They did make him an offer after he signed the second tag and before the deadline to negotiate an extension of that tag. Their GM publicly revealed the terms of that deal which is something that almost never happens.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bruce-allen-redskins-offered-kirk-cousins-53-million-but-he-prefers-franchise-tag/
Our goal was to sign Kirk to a long-term contract with the final objective of having him finish his career with the Redskins.
On
May 2nd, right after the draft, we made Kirk an offer that included the
highest fully guaranteed amount upon signing for a quarterback in NFL
history ($53 million) and guaranteed a total of $72 million for injury.
The deal would have made him at least the second highest-paid player by
average per year in NFL history.
But despite our repeated attempts, we have not received any offer from Kirk's agent this year.
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I do not see how all of these events can lead to the conclusion that the Redskins did not want him unless they were just lying.
As for his talent and capabilities, well, there is a lot of angst over the number of turnovers attributed to him. He has committed his fair share in his 3 years started every game. Here are some numbers to consider of QBs in their year 4th through 6th seasons or first 3 seasons starting every game ...
Kirk Cousins – 81 TDs, 36 INTs, 31 fumbles
Aaron Rodgers – 86 TDs, 31 INTs, 24 fumbles
Drew Brees – 77 TDs, 33 INTs, 22 fumbles
Ben Roethlisberger – 75 TDs, 38 INTs, 30 fumbles
Philip Rivers – 83 TDs, 35 INTs, 25 fumbles
Matt Ryan – 87 TDs, 43 INTs, 13 fumbles
Matthew Stafford – 71 TDs, 48 INTs, 28 fumbles
... Cousins in his first 3 seasons starting every game (none of our current QBs can make that claim although Case did not get the chance) is very similar to all of these other QBs who most would consider in the top 10 or very close.
I believe he is only going to get better and cannot for the life of me understand the issue some have with this QB.
Here is an article where Kyle Shanahan thinks he is similar to Brees ...
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22280667/kirk-cousins-free-world-watching-nfl
Mike Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay all thought, at various
points, that Cousins might be the next Drew Brees, and they worked hard
to persuade him of as much. "I remember Kyle saying, 'Just keep playing.
I think you've got a chance to be a Drew Brees-type player someday,' "
Cousins told me in November. "I kept saying, 'Wow. I appreciate the
belief and confidence. I want to go prove you right.' Kyle said, 'You
don't have to prove me right. I know I'm right.' "
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I don't know but these coaches are pretty smart and they have had some success. There is likely going to be a question about why did not Shanahan trade for Cousins and unless anyone knows what the Skins were asking or if they would even consider trading him to the 49ers we will never know.
I have been all over this from the jump. I know.
I can live with any of the other 3 but I believe they come with legitimate concerns and more than would come if Cousins was the QB.
Will Teddy bounce back and play like he did before AND get better which he needed to do?
Will Sam be able to play a full season or even two full seasons with out missing any games?
Will Case repeat his performance and is his nature of taking risks something that he can overcome?
If they sign any of these 3 QBs instead and the answer is no then the team will be right back where they are now.
Trying to find a QB or decide on a QB.
With this defense and how close they came, I think it would be a waste to let this golden opportunity pass by.
They will figure out the salary for Cousins, Barr, Diggs, Hunter, and Kendricks. Those are really the only high priced players they need to extend. Waynes can get his 5th year option in 2019 and an extension in 2020.
They might try to find a guard or defensive tackle in free agency this year as long as it is not too expensive.
If they do not, then a draft of Billy Price in the 1st and a Tim Settle or Harrison Phillips in the 2nd would not be so bad.
Don't know what is going to happen but I like discussing the possibilities.