Redskins Weekly – Kirk Cousins Franchise Tag & More

1- Real quick on the Kirk Cousins situation. 

The franchise tag was the right call since they two sides could not reach a long term deal.  And unless they reach one in the next couple weeks I then don’t think it is as much of a rush to get things done until July.  The $19+ million hit is steep but there was no choice.  Trying to save a few million was way too risky since we really don’t know the inside thoughts of Cousins.  He says the right thing but he also had to endure an ownership that looked at him as a 2nd rate quarterback to Robert Griffin for most of the past four years.

2- The other player the Redskins have been trying to work something out with has been Junior Galette. 

Last summer I personally wanted no part of Gillette and my opinion has not changed much.  And I really have no interest in giving him a one year deal for $8-9 million like he wants.  He took the minimum last off season since he was still getting paid by the Saints.  A team with a decent track record that would rather pay him to leave then keep him.

And Junior took the news very professionally.  Of course I am joking there.  He embarrassed himself and acted poorly which seems to be something of a pattern.  Even missing this whole regular season the guy just seems to make poor decisions.  He continued to go after the Saints and his character is a huge question.  Everyone says he could have been a difference maker for the team but he wasn’t, he got hurt.  And now to use a huge hit on him isn’t for me.  I am OK if the Redskins truly believe he can help giving him they 3 or so year cap friendly deal they want to do.  But if he doesn’t like that I am happy moving on.

3- Finally I saw that Jay Gruden said the Redskins drafted Matt Jones to be their feature back. 

I don’t think that is news because nowadays any running back taking in round three is looked at as a potential starter.  Problem to me is that Jones didn’t show me much as a rookie to get me hopeful.  I hope I am wrong but I think the preseason talk and hype around Jones was unrealistic.  He showed there will need to be a lot of work in all aspects of playing running back for him to be the true featured back.

And with the Redskins failure to build any kind of running game over the course of the season we must be open to McCloughan going elsewhere at the position.  There are a couple guys out there like Matt Forte who could step in.  But I doubt they go the veteran back route if they are unsure about Jones.  I am sure if McCloughan is very high on Ezekiel Elliot of Derrick Henry he won’t be afraid to use their first rounder on either.  He is clearly going to take the best player available.  I would hate to move on from a 2nd year guy drafted in the third round but if Scot feels that is the way to go then I have faith.