Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins warms up. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – As the NFL’s free agency period begins and the Redskins prepare to move-on from starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, the QB published a goodbye letter to the ‘Skins and their fans Monday.
In his note, published on KirkCousins.org, Cousins writes, “The team has decided to move on to another option and, in turn, my family and I will be moving on as well. Knowing I will not be putting on a Redskins jersey next season, it’s hard to look back at all that’s taken place and not become emotional.”
Cousins went 26-30-and-1 as Redskins starting QB. He started every game the past three seasons, leading Washington to the playoffs in 2015 – his only postseason appearance. The Redskins lost to the Packers in the 2015 NFC Wild Card game.
Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins.
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
“Though we are ultimately measured on a win-loss record, my fondest memories will be the little achievements and struggles that got us there…the everyday memories that made the job fun,” Cousins added. “Just like you never fully leave your hometown — you never fully leave your first NFL team, especially after six seasons.”
In January, the Redskins agreed to trade for Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith – opening the door for Cousins to depart as a free agent. Cousins, who played on a one-year contract each of the past two seasons, is the first QB in NFL history to receive the franchise tag two straight seasons.
“My family and I will always have a piece of Washington deep in our hearts,” Cousins wrote. “I arrived as a single, 23-year-old from the Midwest — with a lot to learn and prove. I now leave as a husband of four years to my wife, Julie, and a father to my son, Cooper — but still with lots to learn and prove. When Cooper someday asks: “Hey Dad, what was it like playing for the Redskins?” I’ll proudly tell him it was a dream come true.”
Cousins’ letter in its entirety:
