Kirk Cousins didn't sign a long-term deal, but he'll make a ton of money in 2016
Kirk Cousins would’ve liked a new long-term deal, but $20 million isn’t a bad consolation prize.
The former Michigan State quarterback got the franchise tag from the Washington Redskins. If he can’t agree to a new deal by the July 15 deadline, Cousins will play under a one-year, $19.95 million contract in 2016.
There’s also the possibility that Cousins could be traded. That, however, would involve a team taking on the $19.95 million deal and forking over two No. 1 draft picks to the Redskins. That scenario isn’t a likely one.
What does appear imminent is that Cousins, who was reportedly “far apart” from the Redskins with contract negotiations, will stand to make more money than all but eight quarterbacks made in 2015.
The $19.95 million will be a sizable raise from the former fourth-round pick’s rookie deal.
Redskins QB Kirk Cousins' four-year rookie deal paid out a total of $2,589,778. He's now guaranteed $19,953,000 for 2016 alone.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 1, 2016
Just to further the notion that Cousins is the franchise quarterback, the team is reportedly set to cut ties with Robert Griffin III.
Cousins will have a chance to earn a nine-figure deal after leading the Redskins to their first playoff berth since Griffin’s rookie year in 2012-13. The first-year starter had 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions in the final 10 games of 2015.
Cousins would certainly like that, and a new deal to follow in 2016.