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Contract deadline passes without a long-term deal for Kirk Cousins

By Ian Cummings

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins runs off of the field after throwing an interception against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins runs off of the field after throwing an interception against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The 4:00 PM deadline has officially passed. The Redskins and Kirk Cousins failed to agree on a long-term deal.

In fact, there’s reason to believe that the two sides didn’t even try. Reports surfaced nearly a week ago that both parties were perfectly content with Cousins seeing out the 2017 season on the franchise tag.

Regardless of all the speculation, seeing out the 2017 season is the best option for both the noncommittal Redskins and a confident Kirk Cousins. The Redskins get yet another season to see if they’re right or wrong about their quarterback, rather than throwing money at something they aren’t sure about. And Cousins gets to prove his doubters wrong once again, a task he’s growing very comfortable with.

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It’s hard to say what happens now. Cousins and the Redskins can now devote all their energy to the 2017 season. So in a way, it’s nice to finally have the monkey off their backs. But the saga will continue when next January hits, and it will be even uglier and more chaotic than this year’s debacle.

Cousins has said numerous times that he wants to be a Redskin. And the Redskins have said on multiple occasions that they want him to be their franchise quarterback. But actions speak louder than words. After reviewing the offseason developments, it’s safe to say that both statements come with asterisks. Cousins wants to be a Redskin if he’s believed in. And the Redskins want Cousins, but only for the right price.

Can you put a price tag on a franchise quarterback? The Redskins have done just that by placing another tag on Cousins: The franchise tag. Because of their costly estimate, Cousins’ price tag is now one of the highest in the league. And with another solid season, or even a decent season, in 2017, the dollar signs will just keep coming.

Next: Josh Norman's exodus to D.C. stems firing of Panthers' GM

The deadline has passed. And now all eyes turn to training camp. The contract drama is in the rear view mirror for now. But don’t get too comfortable. Because next offseason, it’ll be the same story all over again. And a happy ending for the Redskins could be too much to ask for.

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