Kirk Cousins: 'If I don't play well next season, I don't deserve to be back'

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has had nothing handed to him in his four-year career so far and he isn't about to start now.

Cousins signed his franchise tender, so he'll earn $19.9 million next season. While some players have been reluctant to play under the one-year tag, the 27-year-old relished the pressure that comes with the lack of a long-term deal and believes it'll help his team at the end of the day.

"I'm content playing on the franchise tag," Cousins told 106.7 The Fan, according to CBS DC. "I think that people make great decisions when they have a lot of information at their disposal, and if the Redskins would like more information from this next season to be able to make a decision on me long term, I totally understand that and understand where they're coming from. If they feel like they have enough information and want to make that call right now, then great, too. But I think the ball's in their court and I will react accordingly to whatever decision they make.

"But I am totally comfortable playing more football, and frankly if I don't play well next season, I don't deserve to be back. I don't deserve a long-term deal. So I want to go out and earn it, and prove myself, and if I need to prove myself again, that's fine. I’ll go see if I can do that."

Cousins added "there's a chance" he'll sign a long-term deal before the season starts, but reiterated "the ball is in (the Redskins') court" and he doesn't plan to force any contract talks.

Without the awkwardness of Robert Griffin III's presence, Cousins will enter camp as the clear starter. He's ready to take on that responsibility.

"Overall, I think just asserting myself more as a leader," said the former Michigan State quarterback. "You know, stepping up vocally, being a little more confident in asserting myself that way. That comes with time, you earn that. It takes time, but I think after last season, and having played more now, I can do that, and I look forward to that opportunity."

"It's gonna help our offense, it's gonna keep everybody on the same page. I think it's important to have good player leaders and guys who, on the field, can be really making a difference in the huddle and keeping guys all going in the same direction. So I look forward to that challenge, it's never easy, but I think that is a big difference - that I haven't been a leader as much in the offseason program, looking at four of the past seasons, and now I have that opportunity and I want to take full advantage."

Cousins had a stellar 2015 season: He threw for 4,166 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, and also ran for five scores. Washington added first-round receiver Josh Doctson and veteran tight end Vernon Davis to help Cousins improve his performance in 2016.