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Kirk Cousins: How Matthew Stafford’s new deal will impact negotiations

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 10: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 10: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – JANUARY 01: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on after the New York Giants defeated the Washington Redskins 19-10 at FedExField on January 1, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – JANUARY 01: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on after the New York Giants defeated the Washington Redskins 19-10 at FedExField on January 1, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Of course, all this depends on how Cousins plays in 2017.

Cousins has put together a couple of solid seasons. But he has still showed that he is a hot and cold quarterback. When things are going well, he is unbeatable. When they aren’t, he disappears.

This year will be the biggest test for Cousins yet. After losing his top two receivers and his offensive coordinator Sean McVay, the third year starter is in for some bumps. Some have been apparent this preseason, as Cousins has struggled mightily at times in parts of three games, but he should have a chance to change that in the regular season.

If Cousins performs poorly in this big year, then there is a chance that he may end up losing some money. But even if that happens, a team will still pay him a big money deal. Either that, or he will sign a one year, “prove it” deal to give himself a chance to improve and then land the big payday.

The key for Cousins is to be consistent and win games. That is what he needs to do to guarantee himself a shot at being the next record breaking deal in the NFL. As things stand right now, he will have a chance to get a deal bigger than Stafford if he hits the open market after a successful season. Franchise quarterback rarely hit the open market, so some team will be happy to scoop him up if he plays well.

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Make no mistake, the leverage in this ongoing saga all belongs to Cousins. The Redskins will only franchise Cousins if he has an unbelievable season. It wouldn’t make sense to do that if he didn’t. At the same time, if he walks, then the team will have to find an answer at the quarterback position, and that is easier said than done.

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