Contract Talks Break Down for Kirk Cousins in Washington
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Despite both sides having experienced unexpected success together in 2015, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that contract negotiations between the Washington Redskins and soon-to-be free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins have broken down.
Redskins and QB Kirk Cousins have broken off contract talks, per team source. No further talks scheduled.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2016
Although Schefter said initially that no further discussion was scheduled, on Wednesday he clarified that communication is ongoing. But at this point the two sides are so far apart on terms for a new longterm deal that things seem to be going nowhere fast.
For those who missed it: contract talks between Redskins and Kirk Cousins have broken off. Sides still talking, but not much to discuss now.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2016
It's not contentious between the Redskins and Kirk Cousins, not at all. There just will be no long-term deal now nor anytime soon.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2016
The good news for fans in Washington hoping to see Cousins return, and bring some much needed stability to a franchise constantly in flux, is that the negotiations, or lack thereof, haven’t become contentious. Of course, that could change by March 1, the deadline to apply the franchise tag.
Slapping the tag on Cousins may seem like a no-brainer if a deal cannot be reached, but Schefter’s source insists it’s anything but a foregone conclusion at this point. It seems the Redskins aren’t especially eager to fork over $20 million for a player, only to find themselves in the same exact predicament in a year.
Given the instability they’ve had at the quarterback position in recent decades, not to mention the organization as a whole, the team known for some of the worst free agent signings of all time (Looking at you, Albert Haynesworth) has picked an interesting time to tighten its purse strings.
