The Washington Redskins are planning to bring back Kirk Cousins on a new contract this offseason, which all but guarantees that Robert Griffin III is done in Washington. The team may consider signing back Alfred Morris as a free agent, while Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson could be potential cap casualties.
Cousins is the main priority for the Redskins this offseason, as the quarterback had his best season as a pro and led the team to the playoffs. The Redskins in a sense are desperate to keep Cousins, as the team is reportedly done with Robert Griffin III. Cousins has some solid leverage heading into free agency, as he is coming off of a career season and the Redskins do not really have an alternate plan with Griffin likely done.
The team can keep Cousins with the franchise tag so they are not in danger of losing him, but Cousins is in strong position to get a decent seized contract this offseason. Cousins reportedly wants to be where he is "wanted," according to ESPN and it looks like Washington is that place. Jay Gruden has said publically that he wants to build around Cousins and the next step for the sides is to start talking about new contract. Cousins said that the two sides "haven't discussed it much yet."
Cousins had a great season for Washington, throwing for 4166 yards and 29 TDs with 11 interceptions while completing 69 percent of his passes. Cousins' play helped quiet anyone that was calling for Griffin to start again and now it looks like RG3 will be out of DC soon. According to NFL.com, Griffin is likely going to be cut heading into next season, as the team will not want to pay his $16.155 million option for this year.
Griffin still has plenty of potential and if he is released, he is likely to get picked up by another team as a backup or as someone to compete to start at QB. Griffin had a strong rookie season in 2012, but injuries and inconsistent play derailed things in Washington. The Redskins have some options to clear cap space this offseason, as players like DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon could be let go. The team also has Alfred Morris hitting free agency and he potentially could return on a new deal.
Jackson has a $9 million cap hit for next season and while the team loves his big play ability, injuries and inconsistency kept him from putting up big numbers this season. According to CSN Washington, Jackson's future with the Redskins is "up in the air." Garcon has been solid and steady for the Redskins over the years and while he has a $7.6 million base salary, he could end up staying if Jackson is let go. Garcon will be 30 by the time next season starts and that could be a factor in what the team decides to do.
