Will the Redskins actually franchise tag Kirk Cousins? Would Cousins file a grievance if the Washington Redskins tag him?
This is the prevailing question that is being asked by Redskins faithful. On the surface placing the franchise tag on Cousins makes little sense. The franchise tag is a vehicle for teams to keep their talent for another year while a long-term contract is worked out. The was of course for the team’s advantage, allowing the player to be under team control. For the player, the lack of free agency is countered by a fully guaranteed salary of the top 5 players at their positions. For certain positions, this doesn’t affect the cap but the quarterback position is an extremely costly venture. Kirk Cousins became the first quarterback to play a season under the tag and then Washington tagged him again. In 2016 that cost was $19.1 million dollars and in 2017 of $24 million dollars.
So tagging Cousins this season would be a whopping $34 million dollars. There is no way the Redskins can afford that. When the new league starts Alex Smith’s trade and extension will become official and his $17 million dollar salary cap figure. That being said the $58 million dollars of cap space for the Redskins would be tied up under two quarterbacks and there would not be any money to sign any other free agents. The rationale of the Redskins is getting a sign and trade for Cousins to recoup something for him leaving. This is a pipe dream so I do not believe the Redskins would make this move. Also, I absolutely that Cousins would file a grievance against the Redskins if he was tagged. So don’t worry fans, this was a bluff from the front office.
Will the Redskins release Josh Norman?
One of the new percolating rumors is the growing disdain of the front office of Josh Norman. Now lets break this down. I am almost certain that Norman, as well as others have in the past, have issues with the Redskins front office. The treatment of players has been an issue here for many years. Norman, who is known as a supremely emotional player, has been frustrated with the direction of the team. Both seasons since Norman has been here have been disappointing as far as the team has been concerned. Norman as a player has been the shutdown corner he was supposed to be.
The only knock on him was the lack of interceptions, however, Norman has been above solid and outside of a few bad games has played well. The CB position for the Redskins was solid at the end of the season. Norman, Kendall Fuller, Quinton Dunbar, Joshua Holsey, and the ability to resign Bashaud Breeland. Fuller has now been traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, Breeland most likely will not be resigned. So in light of that, I do not see the Redskins releasing Norman. His contract is in its third year will cost $16.9 million against the cap. Releasing him will cost the team $9 million, which doesn’t make any sense because the cornerbacks are very young and Norman would be a perfect leader. Outside of a trade, Norman will be a Washington Redskin in 2018.
Who can the Redskins sign at wide receiver?
A plentiful free agent market is drying up fast for the Redskins. Devonte Adams was resigned by the Green Bay Packers. Jarvis Landry was franchise tagged by the Miami Dolphins. Possible targets would be disgruntled Martavis Bryant of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another big name would be Allen Robinson of the Jacksonville Jaguars or Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers. The best fits for what the Redskins need are Bryant or Robinson. We will watch closely for any developments.
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