What's next for NFL teams out of the playoff race? - NFL Nation- ESPN
What needs to happen in offseason? Figure out the quarterback situation. Having Kirk Cousins play under the franchise tag for a third consecutive year -- at $34.5 million -- doesn't make much sense; he would then leave in 2019. So unless the Redskins draft someone to groom -- making the situation more awkward -- they need to sign Cousins to a long-term deal or a tag and trade (if possible). It's hard to move forward and build when you're not sure who will be the signal-caller. The Redskins still must add to the defense (another lineman or two, and settle the inside linebacker spots). But first and foremost, resolve the Cousins issue. Please.
Is a coaching change the answer? No. While Jay Gruden still must prove he can help build and then coach a team capable of a playoff run (until you do it, it's just speculation), it would be wrong to blame this season's woes on coaching. The injuries proved to be too much for a team with little margin for error, and only a complete collapse over the next four games would put him on the hot seat. Certainly, there are decisions to second-guess and there needs to be less sideline confusion over situations. But Gruden's offense and his demeanor helped during an adverse season, and he maintains the support of the locker room. -- John Keim