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What Derek Carr’s massive deal could mean for Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

Jun 13, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) addresses the media at minicamp press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) addresses the media at minicamp press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder (left) and head coach Jay Gruden prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder (left) and head coach Jay Gruden prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Redskins only have one argument to make.

The only way that the Redskins can try to defray the cost of a Cousins deal, in regards to a Carr deal, would be to argue a dangerous point. They could try and say that Cousins was less consistent than Carr and thus, should earn less money.

This statement is true. Cousins was less consistent week in and week out than the Raiders quarterback. Cousins struggled a bit in the first couple games of the season before hitting a torrid five game stretch in the middle of the season. In that time, he brought the Redskins into playoff contention before falling back to Earth and having issues in the final few games of the season. Cousins didn’t play as well as he should have in Weeks 15 and 17, and that ultimately cost the Redskins a playoff berth.

However, arguing this to Cousins could be seen as example of the team lacking confidence in his abilities. The Redskins have done enough to offend him in this contract situation, and they need to tread lightly. Cousins still holds all the leverage, playing on a one year deal, and he can always tell the Redskins that he will sign elsewhere unless they tag him. And that tag is going to be worth more than the $25 million per year that a long term deal would be.

It’s looking like a potentially reasonable deal for Cousins is off the table. I have long said that the Redskins should utilize the five year, $22 million per year deal that Aaron Rodgers signed as a potential compromise. But with Carr set to sign a bigger deal, the Redskins really have little choice but to pony up and pay Cousins.

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