Kirk Cousins 365 thread

[metalskins]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

Because you take that 24 mil guaranteed, play out the year, and after you hit the open market in '18, sign with another team for even more than you'd make with a long term deal this year. I don't see how the team has an ounce of leverage. It all hinges on Kirk, does he want to be here?

Btw I think he does, and I think they'll get a long term deal done

But this year, Kirk actually doesn't have that much leverage. Sure, he could sign another deal and make $24M guaranteed this year, which means he's gotten $44M in two years. BUT, what if he gets hurt midway through the season? Or, what if he struggles because the Redskins let both Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson go, and Doctson turns out to be a bust? Suddenly his stock decreases. Sure, he could still wind up signing a long term deal somewhere else, but it might not be worth as much as he could get this year.

You're assumption is that Cousins would continue an upward trajectory - which of course we all want to see happen - but it's a big assumption. I would rather take $22M/year for the next 5 years and have about $60M guaranteed as opposed to a sure $24M this year with the hope of signing a gigantic contract next year. It might happen and Kirk doesn't seem afraid to bet on himself again, but it isn't in his best interest. Because there is a lot of pressure on the Redskins to make the playoffs and win a playoff game this year. Which means there is a lot of pressure on Cousins. If the Redskins miss the playoffs again this year, I think Cousins' stock falls and I think he could possibly wind up losing money in the long run by playing hard ball with the negotiations.

On the flip side, I think if the Redskins are willing to give him close to what he wants, there's no reason why Cousins shouldn't take it. For Pete's sake, I would take $5M a year and live the best life ever. When you start to talk about $22M verses $24M, there isn't a lot of difference. You're still set for life.