The Washington Redskins' reluctance to write a $20 million check to quarterback Kirk Cousins is based upon the overpaid quarterback syndrome.
The Redskins and Cousins broke off negotiations for a long-term deal, according to ESPN. Washington could put the franchise tag on their quarterback to the tune of $20 million for 2016.
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The winning quarterbacks from Super Bowls XLIII through XLVIII all are making more than $20 million per season, and all hit that financial milestone shortly after their respective big-game wins. (Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who won Super Bowl XLII, earned $20.85 million in 2013, the year after New York won Super Bowl XLVI), according to overthecap.com.
The Saints' Drew Brees, the Packers' Aaron Rodgers, the Ravens' Joe Flacco and the Seahawks' Russell all signed massive extensions within a couple years of their Super Bowl wins. Each of their teams have regressed since their victories. Manning and the Giants have not been back to the playoffs since 2013.
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Only the Steelers' Ben Roethisberger, who signed an eight-year, $102 million deal in the spring of 2008, led his team to the Super Bowl XLIII win after the big contract.
Pittsburgh has not been back to the Super Bowl since.
Cousins arguably was the best quarterback in the NFL in the last half of 2015. In his last 10 games in Washington, Cousins threw 23 touchdown passes compared with three interceptions, Fox Sports reported.
He also "led the league in completion percentage, set an NFL record for best completion percentage at home and set multiple Redskins passing records, including an almost 30-year-old mark in yardage," according to Fox Sports. "Cousins also had the second-highest passer rating in team history and was two TDs away from Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen's 48-year-old record for passing touchdowns.
"Cousins did all of this while not beating a single team with a winning record (and only one team that finished .500)."
In his previous 20 games, Cousins' numbers were 24 TDs and 27 interceptions. The Redskins would be taking a huge leap of faith in Cousins based on 10 games.
And if Cousins lands a multiyear deal in the $20 million per season range, how will Washington stockpile talent around him to ensure his success?
The only Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks in the last 10 years not making $20 million are Peyton Manning (with the Colts and Broncos) and Tom Brady. Both renegotiated contracts to help their teams put more talent around them.
Cousins has to figure out which he values more --- money or a legacy. Chances are he can't have both
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