Commanders News: Josh Harris, Emmanuel Forbes, Eric Bieniemy and Kirk Cousins
By Dean Jones
Kirk Cousins decision slammed
One doesn't have to look far across Washington Commanders franchise history for bad decisions. They became commonplace and expected during Dan Snyder's disastrous tenure, which mercifully concluded before the 2023 season when Josh Harris' ownership group bought the organization for $6.05 billion.
John Keim of ESPN produced a fantastic what-ifs article surrounding the Commanders recently. Most of the scenarios centered around the quarterback position, with Jay Gruden slamming Washington's decision to let Kirk Cousins walk for nothing as one of the worst in NFL history.
"Kirk's age and what he's done and how much he was improving, it was a no-brainer to keep him. If he didn't want to come back, then you have to get something for him. This is a hot commodity. For us to get a conditional third is one of the worst things in the history of the NFL."
- Jay Gruden via ESPN
Cousins got a fully guaranteed contract for the Minnesota Vikings after two straight franchise tags in Washington. It was a constant stream of failed signal-callers following his departure, but Sam Howell's provided hope for the future thanks to some outstanding displays that currently have him leading the league in passing yards.
Would things have been different had Cousins stuck around? Possibly - but there's just no telling for sure with Snyder mismanaging decisions at every turn.