Redskins Position Group Breakdown: Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, now entering his 3rd year as the Redskins starting quarterback, has solidified the position for the short-term in Washington. For the reasons we’ve heard over a thousand times already, Cousins’ play has people split in their opinion of him. A lack of consistently good play throughout the 2016 season is a significant reason why Cousins has been placed on the franchise tag instead of having a long term deal already in place. His last game against the Giants left a sour taste in the mouths of Redskins fans. Whether you are pro or anti Kirk, losing the way Washington lost in week 17 was an abrupt end to the season.
The bottom line on Cousins is that he’s clearly a capable starter, and if you ask me, top 15 in the league. He’s still in need of some growing, though, and will also have a new task this year in completely taking control of the offense. Two of the team’s best offensive weapons over the past 3 seasons were Pierre Garcon and Desean Jackson, who both departed this off-season via free agency. Their decisions left Cousins to develop stronger relationships with the rookies, younger guys on the offense, and the free agent signings this past off-season. Not only must his play on the field get better, but his leadership skills must grow as well.
Latest Contract News
Adam Schefter reported early this morning that Dan Snyder has now gotten involved in the contract negotiations between his organization and Kirk Cousins agent Mike McCartney. When Snyder really wants something, he does everything in his power to make sure the player becomes or remains a Redskin. There is no guarantee that him getting involved will get a deal done this off-season, however there may be some momentum heading into next year that a long term deal will get done.
Backup Quarterbacks
Colt McCoy: Is heading into the training camp as the clear number two quarterback behind Kirk Cousins. There was much talk heading into the draft that the Redskins should consider starting Colt McCoy if they so happened to trade Cousins; however, this is the best role for McCoy to be in at the moment. As a starter you would have had to bank on him being available for 16 games in order to have a shot at the postseason, and that’s something I’d easily bet against if he was the starter. His spot play has been a plus for the Redskins during his tenure here. McCoy signed a 3-year extension after the 2015 regular season to remain with the Redskins, so his time is guaranteed (contractually) until the end of the 2018 regular season.
Nate Sudfeld: entering his 2nd year as a pro, is a clear project for Jay Gruden and the offensive staff. Sudfeld was unimpressive for the most part in the preseason last year; however, his positive attributes led him to stay on the active 53-man roster because of the risk of him being signed by another team. The strong armed quarterback must continue to grow in Gruden’s system, especially if the Redskins plans to make him either the backup to Cousins or the eventual replacement starter if Cousins so happens to not be here after the 2017 or 2018 season concludes.
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