Kirk Cousins and the 2018 Franchise Tag: A Closer Look
Hello, football fans! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of NFL contracts and taking a closer look at Kirk Cousins and the 2018 franchise tag. So, grab a seat, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and kirk cousins franchise tag 2018.
The 2018 Franchise Tag: A Brief Overview
Before we delve into Cousins' story, let's first understand what the franchise tag is. In the NFL, teams have the option to use the franchise tag to prevent a player from becoming an unrestricted free agent. There are two types of franchise tags: exclusive and non-exclusive. The exclusive tag prevents the player from negotiating with other teams, while the non-exclusive tag allows the player to negotiate with other teams, who can then negotiate with the original team for the player's rights. The tagged player is then given a one-year contract at a predetermined salary.
Now that we've got the basics down, let's talk about Kirk Cousins and the 2018 franchise tag.
Kirk Cousins: The "You Like That!" Quarterback
Kirk Cousins, the quarterback who famously coined the phrase "You like that!" during his time with the Washington Redskins, was set to become a free agent in 2018. After a successful 2017 season, in which he threw for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, many expected the Redskins to lock him up long-term. However, that's not what happened.
The 2018 Franchise Tag: A One-Year Deal
Instead of signing Cousins to a long-term contract, the Redskins opted to use the exclusive franchise tag on him. This meant that Cousins would play the 2018 season on a one-year deal worth $34.47 million, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. While this was a significant payday for Cousins, it also meant that he would have to wait another year to secure a long-term deal.
The Impact on Cousins' Career
The 2018 franchise tag had a significant impact on Cousins' career. It allowed him to play out the season and prove his worth to other teams, ultimately leading to a fully guaranteed, three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. Without the franchise tag, it's possible that Cousins would have had to take a shorter-term deal or settle for less money.
The Redskins' Perspective
From the Redskins' perspective, using the franchise tag on Cousins was a calculated risk. By tagging him, they were able to keep him on the team for another year while also giving themselves more time to negotiate a long-term deal. However, this strategy also had its risks. By using the exclusive franchise tag, the Redskins were essentially daring Cousins to play out the season and then leave in free agency, which is exactly what happened.
Lessons Learned: The Franchise Tag in Action
The Kirk Cousins saga of 2018 provides an interesting case study in the use of the franchise tag. While it ultimately worked out well for Cousins, who secured a massive contract with the Vikings, it didn't do much for the Redskins, who were left without their starting quarterback. This story also highlights the complex nature of NFL contracts and the delicate balance teams must strike between keeping their star players happy and managing their salary cap.
The Future of the Franchise Tag
As the NFL continues to evolve, so too will the franchise tag. Teams will continue to use it as a tool to manage their rosters and control their salary cap, while players will continue to use it as a way to secure long-term deals. The Kirk Cousins story is just one chapter in this ongoing saga, and there are sure to be many more fascinating tales to come.
So, there you have it, guys! A detailed look at Kirk Cousins and the 2018 franchise tag. We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of NFL contracts. Until next time, keep your eyes on the ball!