McCloughan: Cousins has reached his ceiling

Former Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan has confirmed what the team has implied in its dealings with quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Cousins has been the subject of trade talks for much of the past two seasons. He was also the first quarterback to ever receive the franchise tag two years in a row, all despite leading the Redskins to winning seasons in both campaigns.

McCloughan put his rubber stamp on each of those one-year contracts. He has since been fired by the club and, on Tuesday, he revealed his true feelings on the quarterback's ability.

"His ceiling is where it's at right now," McCloughan said on 106.7 The Fan, according to John Keim of ESPN.

"He's a good player who has proven he can win a division and that's hard to find - and a chance for two years in a row to go to the playoffs. That's what you're looking for."

McCloughan went on to infer that the price to retain such a quarterback is what is giving the Redskins pause.

"Everyone says it's the most important position on the field. I understand he touches the ball every snap, but it's the guys around him," he said. "If you're paying the quarterback, then you're losing an offensive lineman, you're going to lose the defensive lineman, you're going to lose the corner. With the cap, you can't afford it."

Considering Washington has already lost receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon and defensive lineman Chris Baker to free agency, the Redskins can afford to pay Cousins.