ASHBURN — Yes, even Kirk Cousins is human.
The Redskins quarterback said Wednesday that it’s human nature to want to look ahead to his future. Washington has four football games left before Cousins’ next contract becomes the focal point of the offseason.
Like always, Cousins insisted his focus is only on the last four remaining games, specifically Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“it’s been great for me to exercise that muscle of every time those thoughts do show up, to say, ’Let’s focus on the present. Let’s be right here, right now,’ and understand that that’s the best way to prepare for the future,” Cousins said. “And I’ve certainly had to remind myself of that many, many times as my mind does drift, but as you practice that discipline, you get better at it.”
Cousins, of course, is playing under his second consecutive franchise tag, worth $28 million.
After the season, the Redskins have four options with Cousins: franchise him again (one-year, worth $34.4 million), use the transition tag (worth $28 million with an option to match any deal Cousins brings forward), negotiate a long-term contract, or let him walk.
Cousins, who is fifth in passing yards this season, said playing under the franchise tag is a “blessing in disguise” because he can’t negotiate a long-term deal during the season.
Cousins has routinely pointed out he’s used to playing for his future, whether it was earning a scholarship to Michigan State or being selected in the NFL draft.
“My message to the team and to the locker room is let’s focus on the Chargers,” Cousins said. “Let’s focus on this last month of football. People don’t always remember how you start. People always remember how you finish. Let’s finish strong and believe that good things will happen for us as a team if we do that and also as a result individually.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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