Washington’s Clownshow Of An NFL Offseason Keeps Getting More Ridiculous

The Washington Redskins are among the NFL’s most poorly run franchises. There is stiff competition for which is the “worst run” (hello, Browns), but there’s no doubt that Dan Snyder’s organization belongs at or near the very top of that dubious list.

The latest offseason debacle for Washington involves quarterback Kirk Cousins, who the team placed the franchise tag on earlier with plans to re-sign long-term. However, Cousins apparently wants out of Washington, but Snyder and the team have no desire to honor his requests to be moved.

This isn’t something that is especially rare. Players rarely like being franchise tagged in the NFL, but it’s just another issue for the Redskins to deal with as things pile up this offseason. Cousins, who they’ve insisted in the past can be the franchise guy, is now reportedly angling for an exit as he watches his best receiving weapons depart in an historic loss of production.

DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon, Washington’s two top receivers from 2016 have both left in free agency, with Garçon expected to sign with the 49ers and Jackson reportedly heading south to Tampa to play with Jameis Winston. Garçon, prior to leaving officially, sent a tweet laughing at the extension given by the Redskins to coach Jay Gruden.

On top of the roster turmoil, there’s the issue with the extended absence of general manager Scot McCloughan. According to the Washington Post, McCloughan was expected to part ways with the franchise due to disputes with team president Bruce Allen, despite Allen insisting at the NFL Combine that McCloughan would return once his “family matters” were handled.

McCloughan was reportedly not a part of the decision to franchise tag Cousins or give Gruden an extension, and Allen has been handling free agency to this point. Then, seemingly on cue, the team made the decision to officially fire McCloughan on the first day of free agency.

So, to recap, the Redskins had a now-fired GM that was not involved with the team’s decision making. Their quarterback who just received the franchise tag wants to be traded, and their best offensive weapons have left the team. Dysfunction in Washington, D.C., who’d ever believe it?