NFL Notes: Kirk Cousins, 49ers, Cowboys

Kirk Cousins

• Mike Florio of PFT doesn’t think Redskins franchise QB Kirk Cousins should agree to the same record contract signed by Raiders QB Derek Carr, who walked away with a six-year, $126 million deal a few weeks ago.
• Florio mentions that Cousins is set to make $23.94 million under the franchise tag for the 2017 season, which is just $1.06 million less than what Carr will make this year. In 2018, Cousins could make another $28.7 million if the Redskins use their transition tag on him or will have an opportunity to test the open market.
• While Carr will get $16.06 million fully guaranteed as part of his contract than what Cousins would make under the franchise tag in 2017 and the transition tag in 2018, Florio points out that Carr is committed to the Raiders for six seasons while Cousins will have made a good portion of this in just two seasons.
• Joel Corry of CBS Sports offers an in-depth look at what it could cost the Redskins to lock Cousins up long term. Corry’s suggested contract for Cousins comes out to a five-year, contract worth $130 million with $84.25 million available in total guarantees, a $22.5 million signing bonus and $61.75 million fully guaranteed. This would pay Cousins an annual salary of $26 million while setting multiple NFL contract records.

49ers

• Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area views few 49ers players as having secure jobs right now including veteran RB Carlos Hyde.
• Even so, Maiocco says that Hyde is likely the favorite to win the starting job, but he will have to earn it.
• While Hyde may still open the year as the 49ers’ starting running back, Maiocco expects the 49ers to employ more of a backs-by-committee approach with rookie RB Joe Williams and Tim Hightower being part of the mix.

Cowboys

• Todd Archer wonders if Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith will end up being a two-down linebacker for them while he continues to work his way back from a devastating knee injury.
• Archer fully expects the new five-year, $65 million contract signed by Raiders G Gabe Jackson to impact contract talks between the Cowboys and G Zack Martin. Ultimately, Archer expects the two parties to get a deal done at some point, considering how motivated they are to do so.
• As for second-round DB Chidobe Awuzie, Archer mentions that he may very well end up being a starting safety for Dallas at some point. Although, Archer admits Awuzie may not open the year as a starter.