Report: Washington could seek long-term alternatives to Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins will play 2016 under a one year franchise tag, but his future with Washington beyond that is looking murky.

Guest writing for The MMQB, ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reported that Washington believes they can find another Cousins in a year or two for much less money, assuming Cousins looks for a big deal after 2016.

Cousins wanted $44 million in guaranteed money at signing, with Washington offering slightly over half that at $24 million. Washington is hesitant to commit that much and may groom someone like rookie Nate Sudfeld to take over from him eventually, or look for other, cheaper options down the line.

It’s a gamble from Washington’s standpoint. Quarterbacks like Cousins don’t grow on trees. The New York Jets seemingly believed the same thing and it has not worked out well for them thus far. If they can find a stand-in quarterback, it would be prudent — but that is a big if.