The Washington Redskins may have just lost a ton of leverage when it comes to Kirk Cousins.
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Reports are flooding in that Cousins, the Redskins franchise quarterback entering the prime of his career at age 28, will only accept a trade to one team - the San Francisco 49ers.
But there's something else. Yahoo Sports has reported that the Redskins have absolutely blown a chance to sign Cousins long term contract, reporting he would have accepted $44 million guaranteed money over a two-year deal.
Now, it looks like the 'Skins will use the franchise tag on Cousins for a second year in a row and guarantee him $24 million this year alone. But, with some in the Redskins front office questioning whether Cousins is worth a substantial long-term financial commitment, it makes sense for Washington to try to make a trade.
RELATED: One NFL insider expects Cousins to be traded soon
But now, they've lost a lot of leverage because Cousins says he's only going to one place. Remember, Kyle Shannahan, the Niners' new head coach, was the Redskins offensive coordinator when Cousins joined the team.
Adding to the intrigue - Washington owns the second pick in this year's draft. With no slam-dunk franchise quarterbacks coming out of college, there's a ton of speculation that the Niners could part with that pick in exchange for Cousins, and might even try to get the Redskins to throw their first round pick (No. 17) in the deal. (If the Niners pull off Cousins and a No. 17 for their No. 2, someone should be arrested for robbery).
Who quarterbacks the 'Skins if they trade Cousins? Right now, the uninspiring Colt McCoy.
