CB Competition Will Be Fierce
- The Redskins‘ cornerback competition will be a fascinating one to watch this summer, as Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com writes. Tandler observes that the maximum number of corners Washington can keep without creating a major numbers squeeze elsewhere is five, and Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland, Kendall Fuller, and Quinton Dunbar are all virtual locks to make the club. That means that the team will have to cut a player it would prefer to keep, or else try to sneak such a player onto its practice squad. Dashaun Phillips, Greg Toler, and rookie Lloyd Carrington will all battle for that fifth spot, and Toler is the only member of that trio without practice squad eligibility.
Latest On Redskins, Kirk Cousins
The Redskins didn’t put forth much of an effort to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins to a long-term deal in advance of Friday afternoon’s deadline for franchise-tagged players, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL Media. In fact, the offer the Redskins presented Cousins at February’s scouting combine – $16MM per year and a total of $24MM in guarantees – never changed before the deadline, per Garafolo. Accepting that would’ve placed Cousins an underwhelming 21st among QBs in average annual salary, notes Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com. Cousins will instead play the year under the $19.95MM franchise tender he signed in March, and while that doesn’t give the 2015 breakout star long-term security, he is set to lead all signal-callers in 2016 salary. If Cousins proves last year wasn’t a fluke and the Redskins tag him again as a result, he’ll rake in an even richer amount, $23.94MM.
NFL Franchise Tag Contract Deadline Primer
**Updated Friday morning, 10:12am CT**
This afternoon, we’ll know the fates of seven franchise-tagged players for the 2016 season and beyond. If their respective teams do not sign them to long-term contracts by 4pm ET/3pm CT, Broncos linebacker Von Miller, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, Chiefs safety Eric Berry, Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will all play out the 2016 season on their one-year franchise tenders.
Will some of these players will reach lucrative multi-year deals between now and Friday afternoon? Or could we see all seven players nudged towards free agency in 2017? Here’s a complete rundown of what’s happening with each of these seven players as the deadline approaches:
Von Miller, Broncos
This offseason, Von Miller went from Dancing With The Stars to wrestling with the Broncos. Naturally, there is strong mutual interest in a new multi-year deal between Denver and the reigning Super Bowl MVP and the two sides even seem to have agreed upon terms of about $114.5MM over six years. However, there remains a significant gulf between the two sides when it comes to guaranteed money and cashflow in the first couple of years. As we’ve seen before, NFL contract terms are often not what they appear to be on the surface. In this league, you can be promised a small fortune, but it doesn’t mean much unless a significant portion of it is guaranteed and comes early on in the deal when the team values you most. 
Back in June, the Broncos offered up a six-year, $114.5MM deal with nearly $40MM guaranteed in the first two years. However, Miller wanted more in the way of guaranteed cash and wanted a higher payout in the first three years. Soon after, Miller doubled down on his threat to hold out in 2016 if he does not get the multi-year deal that he is after and his teammates say that he’s not bluffing. Would one of the league’s best defensive players and fiercest competitors really stay home all year long rather than chase another ring and earn more than $14MM? It’s hard to imagine, but there’s also considerable incentive for Miller to stick to his guns in this situation.
If Miller opts to sit out the 2016 season, the Broncos will only be able to use the non-exclusive franchise tag on him and will not have the exclusive franchise tag at their disposal. Typically, a team that is able to pry a player away on the non-exclusive tag would have to forfeit two first-round picks to the former team. However, per the terms of the CBA, the compensation price would drop from two first-round picks to a first and a third if Miller were to sit out. Some teams would consider forfeiting two first-round choices to land Miller and even more teams would mull it over if that price drops to a first- and third-round choice.
Reportedly, Miller still harbors resentment towards the Broncos for the way that talks have gone this offseason. However, things could be changing now that Denver has updated their offer to give Miller $70MM in “solid guarantees.”
Because of Miller’s holdout threat, there’s arguably more at stake for the Broncos than the other six teams negotiating with their franchise-tagged stars.
Kirk Cousins, Redskins
After a breakout 2015 season, Kirk Cousins wants to be paid like a top NFL quarterback. The Redskins, meanwhile, want to see him do it all over again in 2016 before committing major dollars to him across a five or six-year period.
After watching Brock Osweiler go from backup to baller this offseason, Cousins’ camp is salivating at his potential payday on the open market. For Cousins to forego a shot at free agency down the line, his agents are demanding $43.89MM in guarantees over the first two years of the pact, for starters. Wonder where that number comes from? That’s the combined value of the 2016 franchise tag ($19.95MM) and the franchise tag in 2017 ($23.94MM), if the Redskins were to use it again. If Washington wanted to go for an unprecedented three-peat of franchise tags, it would cost them $34.47MM (!) in 2018.
Cousins earned just $660K in 2015, making him one of the league’s very best values last year. Now, he’s looking to cash in on his next deal and he’s made it clear that he’s willing to bet on himself in 2016. As of this writing, the two sides are not expected to come to an accord by Friday afternoon.
Alshon Jeffery, Bears
Alshon Jeffery is regarded as one of the league’s top wide receivers – when he’s healthy. That’s likely the sticking point for the Bears, who want to see the 26-year-old give them a complete season before they give him enough money to buy his own private island. The 6’3″, 216-pound receiver missed six games during his rookie season because of hand and knee injuries. Last year, he sat out seven contests due to calf, hamstring, groin, and shoulder ailments. 
However, despite missing a good chunk of the 2016 season, Jeffery still racked up 54 catches for 807 yards and four touchdowns. Since his breakout campaign in 2013, the former second-round pick has averaged 89 receptions, 1,312 yards, and eight touchdowns per 16 games. Jeffery might not have a perfect attendance record, but he is a true game-changer when he is on the field.
Right now, it doesn’t sound like the Bears are going to get a deal done with Jeffery. GM Ryan Pace doesn’t have any qualms about moving on from players of the past regime and he could theoretically allow Jeffery to walk thanks to the presence of Kevin White.
Continue reading about the rest of this year’s franchise-tagged stars:
Deals Still Unlikely For Cousins, Johnson
The impending deadline for extensions seems to be bringing the Broncos and Von Miller closer together, but that’s not the case for other franchise-tagged stars. As of this morning, there is still no movement between the Redskins and Kirk Cousins on a long-term deal, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post (on Twitter). Same goes for the Rams and cornerback Trumaine Johnson, says Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). 
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In the case of Johnson, La Canfora notes that the two sides spoke on Thursday night, but the Rams and the cornerback’s camp are still very far apart on terms. That jibes with everything we’ve been hearing about the talks over the last couple of months. For those who haven’t been following along, the CliffsNotes version goes something like this: after seeing ex-teammate Janoris Jenkins get megabucks from the Giants, Johnson wants at least that much to forego his opportunity at free agency. The Rams, meanwhile, are not yet willing to give Jenkins a top cornerback’s AAV over the course of a long-term deal. Without a deal, Jenkins will play out the 2016 season under the $13.952MM tender, making him the fifth-highest paid CB in the NFL this year.
Cousins and the Redskins have also been far apart on terms and, like Johnson and the Rams, the two sides have been haggling without getting ugly. The Redskins would love to lock up Cousins, but the quarterback is willing to bet on himself and he sees a repeat of the franchise tag in 2017 (and maybe 2018) as his floor. To forego a turn on the open market, Cousins’ camp is looking for those tender amounts to be fully guaranteed in a long-term deal and, as of this writing, Daniel Snyder & Co. have been unwilling to go that far.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Authority Questions Linger In Washington
- Given how negotiations played out between the Redskins and quarterback Kirk Cousins, there could be some question as to who holds final authority in Washington, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (link via CSNMidAtlantic.com). General manager Scot McCloughan may have wanted to sign Cousins to an extension at some point during the season, but unnamed others — presumably owner Dan Snyder — didn’t feel the same way.
Latest On Franchise-Tagged Players
Barring an unlikely change in momentum, extensions are not expected to be reached for franchise-tagged players Kirk Cousins, Eric Berry, Alshon Jeffery, Muhammad Wilkerson, and Trumaine Johnson, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Schefter’s latest word echoes other reports on these five players, but two names are conspicuously absent from this list: Von Miller and Justin Tucker. It’s not clear if the Broncos and Ravens are on the cusp of deals with their respective franchise-tagged stars, but their odds of reaching deals could be looking better than the rest of the pack at this time.
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As Mike Florio of PFT notes, things have been eerily quiet when it comes to Miller and the Broncos, which could be an indication that talks are moving along behind the scenes. In recent weeks, the acrimony between the two sides has been leaking out to the press, so this recent lack of news could be taken as good news when it comes to these contract talks.
The Broncos could theoretically trade Miller if they are unable to reach a long-term deal with him in the next day or so, but the team is focused only on retaining him. Meanwhile, Miller’s threat to sit out the 2016 season reportedly remains “very real” and several teammates believe that he will spend the year at home if he does not get his way. Late last week, the Broncos improved their offer to Miller, giving him more in the way of guarantees and better cashflow in the early part of the deal. Those are the key issues left to resolve as the two sides have largely agreed on the framework of a six-year, $114.5MM deal.
As the Ravens’ franchise player, Tucker will make $4.572MM this year if he and the team don’t agree to a new contract by tomorrow’s deadline. Some believe that the two sides haven’t struck a deal yet because Tucker is likely looking to eclipse the Patriots’ Stephen Gostkowski as the NFL’s highest-paid kicker.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Tandler: Scherff Still Has Blue Chip Ceiling
- In projecting which current Redskins offensive starters will be on the team three years from now, Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com tabs Jordan Reed, Brandon Scherff and Trent Williams as those with the best chance to be blue chip players. As for Kirk Cousins, Tandler does not see Washington’s current franchise-tagged player ascending to that level, with the now-fifth-year quarterback landing on the “solid starter” tier.
Redskins Notes: Doctson, Baker, P. Smith
What kind of expectations should the Redskins set for rookie Josh Doctson? Many are excited about what the TCU product can do at the next level, but he’ll also be vying for catches against wide receivers Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, and Jamison Crowder plus star tight end Jordan Reed. At 6’2″, Doctson stands as Washington’s tallest receiver and he can cover even more space with his leaping ability. Reed should receive extra attention from opposing defenses in the red zone, so Doctson could be the team’s Plan B for touchdowns thanks to his range.
Looking beyond 2016, the Redskins are hoping that Doctson can serve as the team’s WR1 or WR2 in the future as they are expected to move on from DeSean Jackson and/or Pierre Garcon after this season. In the interim, the Redskins boast one of the league’s deepest receiving cores, particularly if you include Reed.
Here’s more out of D.C.:
- Right now, running back Keith Marshall appears to be right on the Redskins’ roster bubble, Rich Tandler of CSNMidAtlantic.com writes. Marshall’s participation in OTAs was slowed by nagging injuries, but his speed obviously helps his case with Washington coaches. Marshall will have a tougher time making the 53-man cut if the team signs Pierre Thomas, Tandler notes, but it’s not clear if the Redskins are still considering the veteran. As of late May, the Redskins were interested in signing Thomas, who spent four games with the squad in 2015. Beyond Marshall, Tandler writes that tailbacks Mack Brown and Robert Kelley are darkhorse candidates to get a spot behind starter Matt Jones and No. 2 RB Chris Thompson. For a full rundown on the Redskins’ roster, check out their depth chart on Roster Resource.
- JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com analyzed the Redskins’ roster to evaluate the best values on the team. Ultimately, he bestowed that mantle on two players – defensive lineman Chris Baker and outside linebacker Preston Smith. Smith, a Mississippi State product taken in the second round of the 2015 draft, excelled down the stretch of his rookie year in 2015. Baker, meanwhile, is coming off a breakout season in which he amassed career highs in appearances (16, to go with 11 starts), tackles (53), sacks (six) and forced fumbles (three). Thanks to his output in 2015, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Baker a solid 22nd out of 83 qualifying interior defenders. He is currently slated to play out the three-year, $9MM contract extension he inked with the Redskins in February 2014.
- It sounds like quarterback Kirk Cousins will play out the 2016 season under the franchise tag rather than sign a multi-year deal with Washington this week.
Opinion: Norman Is NFC East's Best FA Pickup
- Olivier Vernon signed the biggest deal of the offseason with the Giants, but Todd Archer of ESPN.com still sees Redskins cornerback Josh Norman as the best addition to the NFC East. The division offers up formidable receivers like Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham Jr., and Jordan Matthews, which underscores the importance of a cornerback who can hold his own in one-on-one matchups. Norman also has a fearless approach to the game which could be infectious for the Redskins’ D. On the flipside, Archer voices some concern over whether Norman is a true No. 1 corner and also wonders if Washington’s front seven can offer the same kind of support as Carolina’s did in 2015.
Tandler: Don't Rule Out A Long-Term Deal For Cousins Just Yet
Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com is fully aware of the recent report indicating that Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins will not sign a long-term deal with Washington prior to the July 15 deadline, which means that he will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag. However, Tandler is not ruling out the possibility of a multi-year contract just yet. As he observes, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who reported that the Cousins-Redskins impasse would not be resolved this week, said more or less the same thing about the Demaryius Thomas negotiations last year, only to see Thomas sign a five-year contract with Denver right before the deadline.
Florio, though, is not the only one to report that Cousins would play out the 2016 season on his franchise tender. ESPN’s Adam Schefter, for instance, has said the same thing for at least a month. But as Tandler notes, deadlines drive deals, and both Cousins and the Redskins still have plenty of incentive to get a deal done in the next couple of days.