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What’s Next For Kirk Cousins And The Washington Redskins

By Larry Magrogan

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and tackle Trent Williams (71) and running back Chris Thompson (25) and wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in the huddle during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and tackle Trent Williams (71) and running back Chris Thompson (25) and wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in the huddle during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins have placed the Exclusive Franchise Tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins. What are the next steps for both sides as they prepare for the 2017 season and beyond?

The Washington Redskins have decided they want to keep Kirk Cousins around for a least one more year, maybe. The team placed the Exclusive Franchise Tag on Cousins Tuesday afternoon. According to Spotrac.com, the talented quarterback will earn $23,943,600 for the 2017 season.

Here is the exclusive nature of the tag as told by Matt Bonesteel of The Washington Post.

"An exclusive franchise tag means a team will pay that player no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater. The player is not allowed to negotiate with other teams."

Related Story: Redskins Place Exclusive Franchise Tag On Kirk Cousins

Once he agrees to the exclusive tag, Kirk Cousins will be the signal caller for the 2017 Washington Redskins unless he is traded. That’s where things get tricky because both sides have power. The tactics used will mold the future success or failures of this franchise.

The Redskins have limited options because they’ve bungled these negotiations so far. I feel they would like to get a long-term deal completed. That contract will solidify the Redskins at the most important spot. They can attempt to trade Cousins but have a limited ability to get this done.

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Cousins is holding the cards when it comes to a trade. While he cannot negotiate with other teams, he can dictate where he would be traded by agreeing or not agreeing to a long-term deal with the Redskins trade partner. No team is going to give up a package of draft picks and or players unless they know Cousins is staying with them beyond this year.

There have been rumblings Cousins will only sign long-term with the Redskins or the San Francisco 49ers. New 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator with the Redskins when Cousins arrived in 2012. Both parties are familiar and comfortable with each other.

Another option for Cousins is to play under the franchise tag again and start this whole process over this time next year. This could be a viable option for Cousins and even for the Redskins front office. However, I feel Redskins fans are not excited about watching this movie for a third time. They are begging for stability from the Redskins. The constant revolving doors are growing old and testing the nerves of burgundy and gold supporters.

Some important dates will help decide what direction things go. NFL free agency starts on March 9. The Redskins would love to get a deal done before this date so they have more salary cap money available. Having Cousins signed, sealed and delivered will attract free agents to Washington and could bring back wide receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson.

Cousins will stay in Washington if a trade is not completed by April 27, the day of the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Any deal will have to involve a first round draft choice. The last date of impact is July 15. This is the deadline for a franchise tag player to sign a new contract.

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The exclusive franchise tag shows a glimmer of hope that the two sides can work out a contract to keep Kirk Cousins here for years to come. It will be beneficial for both sides to get this done sooner than later. Completing this deal will be the dawn of a new day for the Redskins. Reward your own players that have given their blood, sweat and tears to this organization. It will help you keep the players you want to, shows loyalty to your current players and makes you look good to the shiny toys of free agency that you have always been attracted to. Let’s get this deal done soon! It’s a winner for the Redskins, Cousins and the fans!

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