Washington Redskins could face grievance if they tag Kirk Cousins
By Ian Cummings
The Washington Redskins have reportedly been mulling over whether to tag Kirk Cousins, with the intent to trade him.
The idea is a bit radical, and undoubtedly unconventional, but the Washington Redskins are determined to get at least some type of compensation for quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is set to hit the open market after three years of contract stagnation.
Still, the belief that getting compensation for Cousins is possible has convinced many fans that such an action is the best thing to do. However, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Washington Redskins could face another roadblock from Cousins, were they to follow through on their plans and tag him. Here’s what Breer had to say in the latest edition of the MMQB:
"If the Redskins attempt to franchise Cousins, my understanding is that his camp will quickly file a grievance to block tag, based on Washington violating the spirit of the rules, which dictate that players are tagged as a mechanism for teams to buy time in getting a long-term deal done."
It’s clear that Cousins has no desire to give his former team a parting gift of any sort, and he has no reason to. The team left him in the dark on the Alex Smith trade, waiting to tell him directly about the move until the day after. They continuously undervalued his performance at the helm, and when no deal materialized in the offseason of 2017, they pinned the blame on Cousins himself.
Related Story: Franchise tagging Kirk Cousins would be the pinnacle of idiocy
A divorce is the best thing for both parties here, and that divorce should happen as quickly as possible, with no hang-ups that could cost the Washington Redskins both time and money. If Cousins filed a grievance, then he would remain on the tag until the grievance was settled in a hearing. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins’ cap space would be hamstrung by two quarterbacks making $34 million and $22 million, respectively, rendering them totally and utterly inept in free agency.
Next: With A.J. McCarron hitting FA, Redskins trade chances increase
Franchise tagging Cousins would provide no benefit to the organization. In a perfect world, it would be nice to receive compensation for a 29-year old quarterback who has been a top ten player at his position for the past three years. But at this point, the risks vastly outweigh the possible rewards. Nevertheless, we know Bruce Allen is not one to recognize opportunity cost. Perhaps this time, he will reconsider.