Reliving Kirk Through Scherff’s Tag???

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March 11, 2021

by Dave Earl

The Kirk Cousins Déjà Vu

During the history of the franchise tag our team witnessed probably the worst/best case scenario in its 25 year history. What worked out great for Kirk Cousins, earning 44 million in 2 years, was arguably a mismanaged debacle by Bruce Allen. Ignoring hindsight for a minute, those couple of years saw an organization bungle a situation by allowing a productive quarterback walk for a 3rd round compensatory pick. While Kirk had his detractors, especially because of some notable flaws, it was a dysfunctional front office (led by Bruce Allen) which allowed pettiness and arrogance to dictate that course of action. Sure, Kirk wasn’t exactly an example of professionalism either but that’s not the point of this discussion.

As we watch Brandon Scherff being tagged for the second consecutive season, the brief aforementioned history with Kirk has certainly driven fan reaction. Regardless of this being a new regime and a front office now being run by professional, football minded adults, it still brings up old wounds. Questions arise which may unfairly criticize a Ron Rivera-led room even after an offseason which saw bargain signings turning into valuable team assets. Thus the tagging history with Kirk still burns many fans today which brings doubt (right or not) in this Front Office’s offseason approach.

So Where Do Fans Stand

We conducted a poll gauging where the fans stand and to no surprise more than half just saw this as reliving the Kirk experience again. While I understand some of this rationale, I tend to feel the belief this this is just the same old organization is a bit premature. Sure, we all know Dan Snyder’s history of meddling after a few years into a new regime and how that has molded fans’ beliefs about the team.  However, giving Ron a chance is warranted. Brandon leaving after a 2nd tag year is also a reality which some pointed out and as we of course witnessed with Kirk too.

Kevin Sheehan’s poll, drawing more attention, shows an overwhelming response as a bad move by the organization. While some feel this certainly is mismanagement all over again, the comments also were very reasonable towards the tag. Fans were concerned about Scherff’s health and the value that can be found in free agency at guard, whereas others saw it as the next step towards a long term deal. One thing that became clear to me is just how scarred this fan base as a result of the prior regime’s horrible handling in football operations. Thankfully we have adults making decisions (to steal a line from Kevin) so a little more faith should be warranted.

Where I am on all of this

Hearing the pros and cons in this discussion, I understand the Kirk Cousins relation and even the lack of trust within the organization but I don’t fully agree. For starters the one position on the offensive line which can most easily be filled without a huge investment is the guard position (see Wes Schweitzer and Erik Flowers). While Scherff has been a mauler and a staple in the run game he is nearing his 30’s and has problems staying healthy.

As far as this being the same old situation as Kirk, I personally disagree 100% with that idea. The relationship between Kirk and Bruce was toxic, and thus Cousins had no desire to sign a long term deal with the team. I’ve heard some say the same about Brandon, which could have been true under Bruce Allen but this new regime couldn’t be any more different. In fact we’ve heard repeatedly the players talking just how much they love Ron Rivera and just how much the culture within the organization has flipped (current Dan Snyder issues aside of course).

There was a statement made I fully concur with and it’s the future of the cap after the new TV deals. The idea of the cap increase by exponential levels over the next couple years could be making Brandon hesitant to sign a new long term contract now. There could be talks with his agent that these next couple of years could see him missing out on a contract that could easily eclipse the one he could sign today. Either way I would certainly want him back on a long term deal but I can’t fault Ron if he feels he could address the guard position with better bargain contracts and suitable play as he focuses on other areas of need.