The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins have their quarterbacks, at least for 2016.
In a span of a few hours Tuesday, the Eagles re-signed Sam Bradford to a short-term contract extension and the Redskins placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, virtually removing him as an option for other QB-needy teams as well.
For Bradford, the two-year deal includes $22 million fully guaranteed at signing, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA Today, speaking on condition of anonymity because financials were to remain private.
It’s a clear bet by the Eagles that Bradford, 28, can continue his upward trajectory – and stay healthy – under new coach Doug Pederson next season.
If he does, Bradford could be in line for another, longer extension in a year. If he doesn’t, the Eagles could cut him before a $4 million bonus is due in March 2017, pay the $4 million in remaining guarantees and absorb $9.5 million in dead money on their cap to move on.
If the Redskins can’t work out a longer deal with Cousins, they’d owe him nothing beyond 2016. But in this case, getting tagged benefits the player, too.
Cousins, 27, now has a one-year deal worth $19.953 million in his back pocket. Another in 2017 would cost the Redskins a little under $24 million for a two-year average of $21.9483 million – very close to Aaron Rodgers’ $22 million average, the highest in the NFL.
It’s rare for a player to get paid top dollar off one good season. So, while the Redskins pushed for a multiyear extension, it made sense for Cousins and his representatives to wait things out, knowing their leverage would only grow if and when the tag came.
The sides have until July 15 to work out a new deal. And it stands to reason the floor from Cousins’ perspective on such a deal is $44 million guaranteed – roughly what it would cost the Redskins over two years if they have to franchise him again.
Worst case, Cousins will play out 2016 on a contract that puts him among the NFL’s 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in terms of average per year. Only two quarterbacks – Carolina’s Cam Newton ($23 million) and New Orleans’ Drew Brees ($20 million) – are due more in cash next season, pending details of Bradford’s new deal.
While another team could offer up the two first-round picks necessary to sign Cousins (plus an offer sheet the Redskins don’t match), he’s virtually guaranteed to be in Washington in 2016. On some level, that’s a positive outcome for everyone involved – and even better if he plays well.
What’s left for the likes of the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams if they want to add a veteran QB? The following is a thumbnail look at other players who could be available:
Unrestricted free agents
Brock Osweiler: Other teams are closely monitoring how things shake out with Osweiler, 25, who made his first seven NFL starts late last season before handing the job back to Peyton Manning. The Broncos have been open that they want to re-sign Osweiler and believe he can be their starter. But this is a complicated negotiation, in part because of the small body of work, and the Broncos had to use their tag on star pass rusher Von Miller.
Ryan Fitzpatrick: The Jets have made clear they want to re-sign Fitzpatrick, a 33-year-old journeyman who helped them win 10 games in coach Todd Bowles' first season. He's sure to want a raise from the $3.25 million they paid him in 2015.
Chase Daniel: Of all the career backups set to hit the market, Daniel is the best bet to get a shot to compete. He's 29 and has just two career starts, but Pederson – Daniel's offensive coordinator the past three seasons in Kansas City – said last week he has proven he can be a starter.
Under contract
Robert Griffin III: The Redskins have been holding out hope of making a trade with help from Griffin, 26, who would need to agree to a new deal to facilitate it. Failing that, they're expected to cut him before March 9, when his $16.155 million option would become fully guaranteed. The best situation may be one in which RG3 could sit for a year behind a short-term starter, learn the offense and be ready to go in 2017.
Colin Kaepernick: The 49ers say they're keeping him and expect him to compete with Blaine Gabbert, who took over amidst Kaepernick's troubles last season. Kaepernick's camp continues to angle for a trade. Kaepernick, 28, is still recovering from offseason surgeries. A key date looms April 1, when Kaepernick's $11.9 million salary would become fully guaranteed. He also can earn a $400,000 workout bonus and $2 million in per-game roster bonuses – huge money for a guy "competing."
Johnny Manziel: Any hopes of a trade likely were erased when a domestic violence accusation was handed over to a grand jury. So, the Browns are likely to cut Manziel as soon as they're able at 4 p.m. March 9, when the league year begins and they'll have the cap space to eat about $2.17 million in guaranteed salary left on Manziel's deal. Still, it's hard to see Manziel, 23, getting another chance until his case is resolved, with potential league discipline hanging over him, too.
Peyton Manning: If Manning chooses to keep playing at age 40, he's virtually certain to do it somewhere other than Denver. He has until Saturday to pass a team physical or else the guarantee on his $19 million salary, set to kick in March 9, would void. Either way, the Broncos appear poised to move on, leaving the five-time NFL MVP without a home.
Restricted free agent
Case Keenum: Rams coach Jeff Fisher's starter-for-now figures to return. But it's hard to imagine Keenum, 28, being atop the depth chart when the season kicks off in Los Angeles. They'll tender him and go from there.
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