Washington And Kirk Cousins Have Broken Off Contract Talks

Kirk Cousins exploded for Washington this year and obviously Daniel Snyder’s franchise wants to sign him long-term before the 27-year-old hits free agency in a few weeks. The push to lock up the Michigan State product hit a snag on Tuesday as Adam Schefter reported the two sides have completely broken off talks, and no more are scheduled.

With Robert Griffin III surely headed out of town and nothing else on Washington’s roster that even resembles a competent option under center, the franchise needs to re-sign Cousins. The thing is, Cousins and his agent know that. As Jason La Canfora reported a few days ago, the two sides are nowhere close in contract discussions. The quarterback has the team completely over a barrel.

In 2015, Cousins started all 16 of Washington’s games and led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8) while throwing for 4,166 yards, with 29 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 101.6 ranked fifth in the league. He also broke Washington’s single-season records for both completions (379) and yards. Cousins also led the team to a shocking 9-7 record and an NFC East title.

If the team somehow screws this up and doesn’t bring him back there could be riots in the streets. Washington has the 21st pick in this year’s draft and has other needs, which means the franchise can’t waste that pick on another signal-caller to develop.

Snyder and company have the franchise quarterback they have long coveted. They can’t afford to let him walk away now. It’s going to hurt, but they need to hand Cousins a big pay day.