Redskins Gruden gushes over potential of Cousins, pitches for him to stay

The conclusion of the Kirk Cousins saga will likely occur this offseason. Many believe it will end with a breakup, but there are many in the organization who wish for Cousins to be retained long-term.

2017 marks the third straight year that Kirk Cousins has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns (he hasn’t reached 4,000 yet, but he will). At the same time, he’s consistently registered a passer rating of close to 100.0, and he hasn’t thrown more than 12 interceptions The stats themselves tell a story of success, and the tape isn’t much different.

Although the Redskins have accumulated a pedestrian record of 24-22-1 in Cousins’ time as a starter, Cousins himself has been far more than pedestrian. The former Michigan State Spartan has been electric on the field, making plays with both his arm and his legs. He’s consistently put up top ten numbers, and many analysts peg him as such.

It makes sense that the Redskins want to keep Cousins, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Cousins has been due for a contract for two years, and each year, the Redskins have delayed the decision with a costly franchise tag. Next year, a third franchise tag remains an option, but it would be the most expensive tag to date, looming well over $30 million for 2018. Many feel that the two sides are still too far apart on a long-term deal to come to an agreement, but count Jay Gruden as just one person close to the situation who feels Cousins is worth every penny he’s asking for.

Jay Gruden takes on a diplomatic tone in the video, but one thing is clear. He sees something in Cousins, valuable potential that the Redskins would be foolish to let go. Yes, Kirk Cousins turns 30 years old next year. But that age is young for quarterbacks. In fact, it’s not only young, but it’s the typical prime of a quarterback’s career. Even if the Redskins suffer a few departures this offseason, their young roster would be close to contention, and even closer with Cousins at the helm.

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It remains to be seen how much of a say Gruden will have in the decision-making process when it comes to Cousins, or if he’ll have any input at all. Bruce Allen and Dan Snyder may have already made up their minds. It’s a lot of money that Kirk Cousins is asking for, but the polarizing quarterback has played well enough to earn a contract somewhere. And he’ll have a great career somewhere. Jay Gruden is just one person who hopes that somewhere is Washington D.C.