While I agree with a lot of your comments (ST) and it's good to have some folks on the other side of the discussion, I have moved 180 degrees in how I view the situation.
I particularly agree with 'destination of choice' - even beyond the franchise stuff. The DC metro area *could be* viewed as an overcrowded, expensive, congested area with high taxes and bad weather (too damn hot in the summer, cold in the winter). I love the area myself, but comparing it to a lot of other NFL destinations, it can be hard to 'compete'. But then people are arguing he's going to go to Cleveland - so I'm not sure that's really in play here
One factor in player decisions that NFL fans almost never think about, but should, is what a player's wife and family want. Wanting to go to a certain geographic place to be closer to family, or for lots of other reasons, it's not just being decided by a player in many cases.
I haven't heard anyone argue Kirk doesn't 'have the right' to do whatever he wants. But I'm not an HR rep. I'm a fan. Fans are always going to respond negatively when a player demonstrates (or is suspected of) not caring as much about a team as we do. I'll tell you guys a secret...NONE of these players cares about the Redskins as a franchise in terms anywhere near how a fan might. It just doesn't work that way. It's their JOB, they treat it as such, and that's perfectly normal.
Before I tell you why I'm really irked with Cousins, I'll deflate one other argument - the 'taking care of my family' stance. If Cousins were a kicker or long-snapper, I'd give him a pass on the 'NFL careers are short. I need to make as much as I can while I can' argument. But Cousins is a rich man. He's been a rich man for quite awhile now. The evil and incompetent Redskins organization that won't pay the man guaranteed he will never want for money for the rest of his life. He (and his extended family) will never have to worry about money again. Right now. He could retire and live a life of luxury. Right. This. Minute. All because the Washington Redskins valued him enough to tag him several times as their most precious commodity.
I have turned on Kirk because he's full of shit brother. Again - I'm not on an interview team, and I don't work for HR. Yes - 'saying the right things' (if you think that's what he is doing) is smart. Kirk is super-duper smart. But that doesn't change the fact that he's not being honest or sincere. No one can argue that he's being honest or sincere. He claims the Redskins have made him a very worthwhile offer. He claims that he is 'committed to being a Redskin'. He acknowledges that the Redskins have made him a rich man, but states that he is not all about the money. But not only has he not signed a LTD, he and his agent have not even been willing to negotiate in good faith, make counter offers, etc.. He's a slick, articulate, smart guy. But he's flat out lying to this fanbase when he says he really, really wants to remain a Redskin. He's not compelled to lie. He's not compelled to call his own press events where he spouts the same bullshit. He's not even compelled to speak about his plans or his contract. But he does all that, and what he says is a bunch of bullshit.
And when someone does that, I'm going to lose respect for him. As I have for Kirk Cousins.
No problem from me if Cousins doesn't want to be here (for any reason). My problem lies with him pretending he does want to be - when he clearly doesn't. And honestly - fans deserve better from a guy they've supported for years.