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Kirk Cousins Contract: If it’s not about money, then what is it about?

By Ian Cummings

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Kurk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Kurk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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Kirk Cousins has recently said that he’s not in it for the money. No one is arguing with the signal caller. But a question materializes out of all this: What is he in it for, then?

He’s also said he’s in it to win games with his team. The Washington Redskins. But the events that have taken place this offseason pertaining to his contract tell a slightly distorted version of that tale. Despite the pleasantries swapped between the two sides as of late, a contract remains a dreamer’s vision. And Cousins doesn’t seem to have a problem with that.

Now, no one’s asking Cousins to get involved in the negotiations. Players have agents for that succinct purpose. It’s the agent’s job to get the money. It’s the player’s job to get the wins. Nevertheless, one would think that if a player, whether it be Kirk Cousins or someone else, actually wanted to be somewhere, they’d make it happen. Tom Brady did. And yet, despite the talk, we’re no closer to a deal than we were four months ago. Cousins has said he wants to be a Redskin. He says he wants to win, and only that. So why are we waiting for the dollar signs to go up?

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This is a business, of course. You want to get paid what you’re worth. And Cousins likely feels slighted due to the lowball offers his camp received earlier in the year. He has every reason to at least be apprehensive. It’s a very real possibility that Cousins still doesn’t feel wanted, despite saying otherwise. Actions speak louder than words. And the Redskins haven’t laid out the red carpet for the potent passer.

But Cousins wants to win. The Redskins give him a very good chance to do so. They’ve surrounded him with a dynamic supporting cast, an offense that helps Cousins just as much as he helps them. He’s an elite quarterback. But even he can’t win on his own. And upholding personal honor is a rather foolish cause in a team sport.

It’s no fault to Cousins. If you have the opportunity to make more money, you take it. But it speaks volumes that no deal has been reached, despite the honeyed words passed back and forth. Yeah, sure. Cousins likes the Redskins. They’re okay. But for a person who doesn’t get his security from money, he isn’t stopping his agent from asking for top dollar.

Next: Kirk vs. Colt: Finding the $20 million difference

It’s a business, through and through. Cousins has performed like a top ten quarterback the past two years. And now it’s time for him to get his due. But at the same time, what does Cousins want more? A contract indicative of his success and his leverage? Or future success and fulfillment with his teammates? With one week to go in contract talks, he may be working hard on the practice field for 2017, but in regards to 2018 and beyond, he’s shown little more than indifference. That doesn’t bode well for Washington.

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