Doug Williams: Redskins want to sign Cousins long term 'in the worst way'
Washington Redskins senior vice president of player personnel Doug Williams may be new to his position, but he may want to watch his phrasing in the future.
In an attempt to convince NFL Network's Steve Wyche that the Redskins are sold on Kirk Cousins for the long term, Williams used a phrase that could be misinterpreted, though he explained his intentions were positive.
"In the worst way," he said of how excited the Redskins are to sign Cousins on Friday. "Let's face this thing, the last two years, Kirk Cousins has had tremendous years. And one thing in this league that's hard to find is that guy to run the football team, and Kirk does a tremendous job doing that.
"And with the weapons that he has and the offensive line that he has, and I think our defense is a little better than what we were last year, quite naturally you want Kirk Cousins as quarterback."
The Redskins haven't seemed sold on Cousins over the past two seasons, placing the one-year franchise tag on him for a second straight year and hinting that they'd like to do it again in 2018. Rumors have swirled that Cousins wants out and that trade talks have been ongoing, but the team and player haven't discussed the possibility publicly.
Related: Cousins feels 'everybody is on the same page' during contract talks
The Redskins have until July 15 to sign him to a long-term deal, or he'll be forced to play under the franchise tag for another year. Contract talks have reportedly been going positively, but the dysfunction surrounding the Redskins organization seems to have put some doubt in Williams' mind.
"All I can do is hope and pray that Kirk looks at the big picture and looks at this football team and realizes we do have a pretty solid football team, solid offensive line, he's got something to work with," he said. "Having said that, (vice president of football administration) Eric Schaffer and (president Bruce Allen) have been on this negotiation for a long time.
"I think it's unfair for me to stick my head into it at this time. Now, I'm aware of what's going on, but as far as my two cents into it and talking to Kirk and what have you, I think I have to step back from that."