What’s Next For Kirk Cousins

Looks like the Washington Redskins want to keep dating Kirk Cousins, but they don’t want a long-term relationship.

A year ago, hoping Cousins would prove himself, the Redskins used their franchise tag on him, did not replace that mandated one-year deal for $20 million with a long-term contract, and got to study him again. He set franchise records for passing yards and completions, threw 25 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions and … got the franchise tag again, instead of a long-term deal.

“Tag! I’m it!” Cousins tweeted on Tuesday.

Yes, he’s it. Whatever it is.

After winning the NFC East with a 9-7 record in 2015, the Redskins took a half-step back in 2016 by finishing 8-7-1 and missing the playoffs. More troublesome was their losing four of their last six, including the home finale to the New York Giants in which Cousins threw a damaging interception. And now we come to why the Redskins might have their doubts.

(In the interest of complete disclosure, this typist was employed as the Redskins’ editorial director from 2009-10).

Almost any QB can move his team between the 20-yard lines. The touchdowns, however, are in the end zone and in the red zone (from the opposing 20-yard line in). And that’s where Cousins lacks.

The Redskins had a quarterback rating of 84.6 in the red zone last year, 26th in the league, according to SportingCharts.com. The numbers from profootballreference.com are more damning.

Cousins threw 83 passes from the 20 and closer last season, completed 38 (46 percent) and 14 went for touchdowns, 2 for interceptions. That TD pass total tied for 16th in the league.

Aaron Rodgers threw 37 TD passes from the 20 or closer (with far more attempts) to lead the league. Russell Wilson had roughly comparable attempts (88) and completions (38) but threw 18 TD passes and no interceptions. Carson Palmer had similar attempts (85) and completions (42), but threw 19 TD passes and 1 INT. Now, another comparison.

While the Redskins effectively are telling Cousins they might not see him as their future, they’re sure paying a heavy price at $24 million against the $167 million salary cap to find out. At this number, Cousins will be the fourth-highest paid QB in the league, behind Andrew Luck, Palmer and Drew Brees. He’ll earn more than Rodgers ($22M), Wilson ($21.9M) and Tom Brady ($20.5M), according to spotrac.com.

Somehow, the guy who’s not so hot in the red zone is rolling in, and reeling in, the green.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman