Denver Broncos: Behind Enemy Lines with Riggo’s Rag

The biggest question headed for Washington this season is Kirk Cousins. Do you believe the team will try to retain him. If they don’t, is there a QB in free agency or the draft you would like to see the team pick up?

The writing on the wall speaks louder than any words that Kirk Cousins or Bruce Allen will utter in support of one another. Cousins has repeatedly, directly and indirectly, voiced his desire to remain in Washington. But if he doesn’t get a long-term contract, there’s a good chance he doesn’t stay. The Redskins lowballed him last year on a long-term deal, and there’s no reason to believe that the stubborn, unintelligible front office will do anything different in 2018. A franchise tag would cost an outrageous $34 million, and Cousins would be guaranteed to leave after 2018. The transition tag is an option as well, but that too has its doubts. 

I believe that the team will try and retain him. Who wouldn’t, after all? He’s a top ten quarterback entering the prime of his career. But that said, I don’t think he’ll stay. Cousins always says the right things, and him expressing a desire to stay in D.C. is a perfect example of such. But he’ll go where the money comes from, and being a playoff contender might pique his interest as well. The Redskins have shown time and time again that they’re not willing to pay top dollar for Kirk Cousins. And that is a preconceived disposition that won’t change in one offseason.

So who would replace Kirk Cousins? Colt McCoy, the team’s backup, has enough confidence behind him to fight for the starting job with a new addition. Who will that new addition be? I’m reluctant to support any free agency options. Sam Bradford is unreliable, and there would be no point in adding another veteran with Colt McCoy already on board. Case Keenum, in my individual opinion, is a flash in the pan who benefits from a great situation. He’s not worth a long-term investment. A.J. McCarron is younger, but he’ll have bidders, and there’s no guarantee he’d be worth the risk. No other quarterbacks incite any confidence. Teddy Bridgewater, as good as his story may be, is vastly overrated.

To me, the best option this year seems to be nabbing a quarterback in the draft. Not in round one, as the Redskins have too many other needs to do so. But in the middle rounds, grabbing a promising developmental quarterback like Ryan Finley, Kurt Benkert, or Kyle Lauletta would be a good option. The team could then roll with McCoy for one bridge year while letting their rookie learn the ropes. Is this my favorite option? No. My favorite option would be signing Cousins to a long-term deal. But that ship appears to have sailed long ago. A change of the guard is approaching at quarterback.

What does the future hold for the Redskins? Is there a position(s) that the team will be focusing in on during the offseason?

The Redskins’ roster is better than 6-8. We saw flashes of this early in the year when they beat the Rams in L.A. and took the red-hot Chiefs to the final seconds. But the injuries revealed an issue that had previously been left hidden. There are too many positions where this team lacks depth, and they need to shore up those positions in the offseason.

The offense is more problematic than the defense. There are no true starters in their stable of running backs, and their wide receivers have not inspired with their play. Tight end is also an area of concern, as Jordan Reed may be due for a breakup after another injury-riddled campaign, leaving 34-year old Vernon Davis as the only proven starter. On the offensive line, depth was an issue as well.

In the offseason, the Redskins need to focus on shoring up their offense, while maintaining a strong balance on defense. As players get healthy (there are A LOT of players that need to get healthy), the situation should improve. But this year shed light on a fatal flaw. The Redskins don’t have enough quality depth to compete. Not yet.