NFL Notes: Kirk Cousins, Chargers, Eagles, Patriots

Kirk Cousins

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, citing multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, reports that if the Redskins would have offered QB Kirk Cousins a multi-year contract last offseason that included $44 million guaranteed and an annual salary of $20 million, he would have taken the deal.

Had the Redskins gave him this contract, most of his guaranteed money would have already been paid out. Now the Redskins find themselves in a situation where Cousins has plenty of leverage moving forward.

According to Robinson, it was president Bruce Allen who made the decision to not sign Cousins to a long-term deal and instead franchise him. In fact, Robinson mentions that Allen “holds the purse strings” when it comes to roster moves and wanted to get Cousins at a salary that benefitted the team.

Redskins GM Scot McCloughan reportedly views Cousins as a “good-but-not-elite quarterback” but Robinson says there’s no indication he went to the Allen to convince him to lock Cousins up long-term.

Now the Redskins are in a position to either make Cousins move of the highest paid players in the NFL or risk losing him next year after he plays out another year under the franchise tag.

Chargers

• Fred Roggin of NBC Los Angeles reports that the Chargers are hiring LaDainian Tomlinson for a front office position.

Eagles

• Tim McManus of ESPN spoke with some league insiders who mentioned that several free agent receivers are “drawn to the idea” of playing with Carson Wentz.
• McManus admits that the money will need to be comparable but as long as it’s close the appeal of playing with a quality quarterback could impact some free agents.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN reports that the Patriots using the franchise tag on free agent LB Dont’a Hightower is not “a serious consideration” for them.
• Reiss doesn’t rule out the Patriots getting an extension in place with Hightower, but admits not using the tag on him increases the odds of him testing the open market and explore what other teams have to offer.
• Even if Hightower reaches free agency, Reiss expects the two sides to remain in contact throughout the process.