Kirk Cousins

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins told the media he believes he will remain with the Redskins for the 2017 season and "doesn't anticipate being traded" this offseason. "I haven't heard anything. I'm not expecting anything to happen," Cousins said via ESPN. "And I'm looking forward to getting back to work with my teammates."

Fantasy Impact

Cousins has been a hot topic throughout the 2017 offseason, and realistically, for the better part of the past two offseasons due to his contractual standing with the Redskins. The 28-year-old signal caller has emerged as a stellar franchise quarterback since 2015 -- he produced a 9,083-54-23 stat line in that timespan -- but has yet to be awarded a long-term deal from Washington. He played the 2016 season under the franchise tag and has already signed his tender for the upcoming campaign. Cousins could be traded this offseason, however. Since he's been franchise tagged for the past two years, he is virtually tag-proof for the remainder of his career. He would earn over $34 million of guaranteed money if Washington, or any other team for that matter, tenders him for the third time. Therefore, Cousins is poised to reach the open free agent market in 2018 if a long-term deal is not reached and is highly unlikely to re-sign with the Redskins in that scenario. If the Redskins elect to hold on to Cousins and let him play out 2017 under the tag, they would run the risk of losing him next offseason without receiving any compensation. The deadline for franchise tagged players to sign a long-term extension prior to the start of the 2017 season is July 15.

Washington Redskins beat writer Mike Jones is reporting the team has not "extended their offer" to franchise-tagged quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Fantasy Impact

Jones adds that the same deal is on the table that the Redskins offered Cousins in February, which is "roughly" $20 million per year with "low" guaranteed money. Cousins is viewed by most as a long-term answer at quarterback. The 28-year-old signal caller's on-field performance has progressed on a yearly basis since 2014 with his best statistical output coming in 2016. Playing in 16 games last season, Cousins threw for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions including seven games of at least 300 yards passing and a 307.3 YPG average -- he also added 96 yards and four touchdowns as a rusher but lost three fumbles in the effort. If the Redskins do not extend their per year offer to Cousins by at least another $2-to-$4 million, a long-term deal coming to fruition between the two sides is unlikely.

Cleveland Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot is reporting the Browns are not expected to "make a run" at Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, Cabot adds that three other teams around the league have inquired about Cousins in the "past 10 days or so", but were "immediately turned down."

Fantasy Impact

It appears that the Browns, who acquired a boatload of draft picks to likely package in a trade for a franchise quarterback, are not going to pursue Cousins despite the reports via ProFootballTalk.com Tuesday suggesting that they will. Cabot believes that the Browns are out of the mix because of the compensation it would take to ultimately acquire him. Plus, "they'd probably have to make any deal contingent upon a multi-year extension," so that they don't mortgage their future to rent Cousins for one year, per Cabot. And although three other teams reportedly inquired about Cousins, their offers were shot down right away. Cousins could play the 2017 season in Washington after all, with or without a long-term deal in place by the July 15 deadline. He already signed his franchise tag last week. For the Browns, they are still expected to try to trade for Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo, or, Bengals backup A.J. McCarron. If they fail to bring in a signal caller via trade, and if they don't draft one, they'll likely enter the season with Cody Kessler as their starter. Unless of course, they sign Jay Cutler, Colin Kaepernick or Geno Smith, who are all available free agents that remain unsigned.

Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins officially signs his franchise tender.

Fantasy Impact

Cousins officially signed his franchise tender and is now able to be traded. The Redskins had mentioned that they are not interested in trading Cousins but the option is now there. Cousins threw for 4,917 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. If Cousins stays in Washington his value will stay the same, if he goes somewhere else- his value could go up and possibly even fall.

Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins has requested to be traded out of Washington.

Fantasy Impact

Cousins met with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and asked him to be traded. Snyder told Cousins not to give his hopes up. No matter where Cousins goes, he should have fantasy appeal. Depending on where he ends up will determine what tier we can place him in.