Going to go 'contrarian' here, just for a change
Are we really in that bad a situation in terms of future QB?
I'm not sure we are. I say that with the obvious understanding that I'm a big Kirk fan and while acknowledging that the team is at least partly to blame that we 'are where we are' with his future in DC so uncertain.
There are only a few possibilities that can occur before now and the 2018 season.
1) Skins Franchise Tag Cousins - I think it's highly unlikely the Skins 'rent' Cousins for another year, for several reasons. Gruden has publically stated he doesn't want that outcome. But more importantly - if the Skins are going to lose Cousins long-term either this offseason or next, it makes zero sense to delay his departure by a year (especially if it's going to cost you $34 million to do it). We have the 13th pick in what's supposed to be one of the most QB rich drafts in recent memory. We WILL have a chance to grab an impact QB, whether it's Mayfield, Mason Rudolph, or if one of the other talents drops to us. If you have to replace Cousins in the next 2 years, you do it THIS year. If the Skins franchise Kirk, they do it because they have a 'wink and nod' agreement with Cousins and another team. This is more likely than media talking heads believe - because there are some teams that LOVE Cousins. The short list - Denver, Cleveland, and the Jets - I believe any 3 of which would be willing to take a one year massive salary hit to get him long-term. The key to this deal would be that Cousins would have to agree with his future destination, and also have his own 'wink and nod' assurance as to what his LTD with his future team would look like.
If all that could be worked out in advance (not addressing whether that's kosher as far as league rules go), it could be an absolute bonanza for the Skins. Biggest question would be whether or not the 'trade' would involve a swap of picks to move up to pick a top 1 or 2 QB, or whether we'd ask for additional picks and stay at 13 which would be my preference.
I'm not sure the Redskins FO is savvy and smart enough to figure all this out, but imho it would represent the best scenario for us.
2. Re-Sign Kirk to a LTD - Most fans don't consider this even a possibility. But it may still be. Twitter buzz and social media experts have painted a scenario where Kirk hates our front office, only cares about the $$$, and wants out. But I think, like the McCloughan firing, the 'truth' is often far more complicated. I believe it's quite possible that Kirk really likes his teammates, wants to continue playing for Gruden, and is using the situation wisely as leverage to get the most out of the Redskins LTD offer that he can. This scenario becomes a lot more likely if the teams willing to pay Cousins a king's ransom turn out to be teams like the Browns or Jets. Cousins is smart. I don't believe he wants to be the highest paid player in the NFL if that means being relegated to being the best player on a horrific squad at a destination no more attractive than where he currently lives. If he doesn't get a blockbuster offer at a place like Denver, or Jacksonville, he could well decide to accept a deal close to what those teams are offering and stay in DC. I know you don't believe me, and that's okay. But I think it could still go down.
3. The Redskins Transition Tag Cousins - This is my 3rd preferred option, although it may prove to be the most likely. The Redskins, by transition tagging Kirk, would have the option to match any offer, and worst case scenario, would get compensatory pick(s) if he does depart. I don't prefer this scenario because it's highly likely Kirk will get ridiculously unmatchable offers, and because whatever compensation the team gets, it would be a net loss in terms of value. But this scenario is the *safest* one, and it's 'PR friendly' in that ultimately it would put the decision to depart on Cousins (ie...the team would frame it as a 'we made Kirk this incredible offer but he left for ridiculous money offered somewhere else'). That aspect is why I think Bruce Allen might lean in this direction. Bottom line, while not the best outcome for the Skins, we'd at least still get additional draft stock if it were to occur.
The only other possibility is that the Redskins allow Kirk to walk with no compensation whatsoever. I cannot fathom that occurring.
So, essentially - in any of the likely 3 scenarios, the Skins either get a much higher first round draft pick, additional draft picks, or re-sign Cousins long-term. None of those are terrible situations if you're in the mood to look on the bright side.
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