On Monday the deadline for franchise tagged players to reach an extension passed. None of the tagged players reached deals with their current teams. This included Washington Redskins, QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins will now play 2017 under the tag and make a guaranteed $24 million. However, will this be the last season Cousins plays in burgundy and gold?
All the talk is about how Kirk Cousins does not want to be in Washington anymore. Given the fact that he did not even counter the offer that the organization made on May 2nd, may be leading to just that. Cousins says he will use the 2017 season to evaluate the direction of the organization and that he is open to signing in the offseason.
With speculation that Cousins may play elsewhere next season, we look at five possible destinations for Kirk Cousins in 2018. Cap space is also included.
- Washington Redskins
Cousins is open to returning to the team. The team has options when it comes to 2018 with a transitions tag ($28 million) or a third and final franchise tag ($34 million). The Redskins have enough cap space to offer him a significant contract or match one from another team. The team has an estimated $55 million (per Over the Cap) in ’18 salary cap space. If Cousins and the Redskins really want a long-term relationship there is room to make it happen.
- Denver Broncos
The Broncos are a team that could be a surprise into the QB market. It is not given that current and new Head Coach Vance Joseph is sold on either QB on the roster. They drafted Chad Kelly with the last pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, a player such as Kirk Cousins teamed with the weapons that are the roster, and the defense that they have would immediately put them back in contention in the AFC. Salary may be an issue. ’18 Cap Space = $16 million (per Over The Cap).
- Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are a team that could really make a push at Cousins in ’18. Carson Plamer is getting up there in years and may not be what the team needs to get over the top. Bruce Arians is a QB genius. Cousins could go in a lead a young group of wide outs along with throwing to Larry Fitzgerald. If the money can be worked the right way Arizona could be an ideal landing spot for Cousins. ’18 Cap Space = $30 Million (per Over the Cap)
- Los Angeles Rams
The Rams may have a young QB in Jared Goff. However, if he fails the Rams may just target a player like Cousins. Cousins would not have a large learning curve coming to the Rams. The Head Coach, Sean McVay, and Offensive Coordinator Matt Lafleur are both familiar with Kirk Cousins. There is also an outstanding defense and young receiving corps in place as well. Cap space should not be an issue. ’18 Cap space = $53 million (per Over the Cap)
- San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are the hot team when it comes to talking about a landing spot for Kirk Cousins. He enjoyed the offensive style of Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. If the rumors come true then we should see Kirk Cousins wearing the scarlet and gold in northern California in 2018. Money should not be an issue either. ‘18 Cap Space = $67 million (per Over the Cap).
Kirk Cousins will be a hot free agent in 2018. That is unless the Washington Redskins wise up and make a legit offer to him after during the exclusive negotiating period. If they are all the wise, they will do just that. Other wise, let the auction begin!
Do you think Kirk Cousins will be a Washington Redskins in 2018 and beyond? Comment below.
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