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Washington Redskins: Offseason moves show true commitment to Kirk Cousins

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kirk Cousins
Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Redskins have until July 15th to strike a long-term deal with Kirk Cousins. Although they have yet to agree to terms, Redskins fans should should feel good about Cousins remaining in Washington for years to come.

The Washington Redskins have had an interesting start to 2017. After a disappointing Week 17 loss to the rival New York Giants, the Redskins entered the off-season with plenty of uncertainty. They fired Joe Barry four days after the season ended. Key players on offense as such as Kirk Cousins, Pierre Garcon, and DeSean Jackson were all free agents.

Washington fired Scot McCloughan right before the start of free agency. A move in which team President Bruce Allen felt gave the team “clarity,” per Nora Princiotti of the Washington Times. After letting Jackson and Garcon walk, the Redskins franchised Cousins. Despite the move, rumors persisted that Cousins would be traded. The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns reportedly had the most interest in the talented passer.

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Washington made an effort to help Cousins by improving its 28th ranked defense. Run-stuffers Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain were added to improve a run defense that finished 26th in yards per carry and 24th in rush defense. Additions as such as Jonathan Allen and Zach Brown will also factor heavily into an improved Redskins defense.

The pass defense was just as bad in 2016, ranking 26th against the pass. Safety play has plagued Washington since the death of Sean Taylor. However, the Skins are banking on the tandem of D.J. Swearinger and Su’a Cravens.

An improved rushing defense could allow Cousins to have more possessions in 2017. The run defense ultimately cost the Redskins a playoff spot. In pivotal games down the stretch, the Redskins allowed the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants to get their first 100-yard rushers of the season in Weeks 15 and 17. That really sank their ship as they tried to sneak into the No. 6 seed.

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