Washington has placed the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins for a second consecutive season, but that hasn’t stopped speculation that the team could look to trade the quarterback leading up to next month’s NFL Draft. For team president Bruce Allen, that speculation apparently provides comic relief.
Allen remained adamant over the weekend that Washington has no intention of trading Cousins. In fact, he said he has shared a “laugh” with Cousins about some of the reports.
“That’s why we franchised him. I can’t keep up with the rumors,” Allen said, via JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com. “Kirk and I have talked almost a dozen times this offseason, and we get to laugh when we hear these different rumors. We haven’t talked to anyone.”
Allen claims he has spoken with Cousins’ agents multiple times this offseason, and he says the goal remains keeping the 28-year-old for several years to come.
“Our goal from the beginning has been long-term,” Allen said. “I’m still hopeful and confident we’ll do it.”
Ironically, one report claimed Allen is the main reason Cousins refuses to even entertain the idea of signing a long-term deal with Washington. While a trade remains unlikely, all signs point to Cousins signing with a different team next offseason. If Washington doesn’t think they can keep the quarterback beyond the 2017 season, ignoring all trade offers would be unwise.
