Niner Noise
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The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Redskins

Will Kirk Cousins regress in 2017?

The Washington Redskins elected to slap the franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins for the second straight year, and they won’t do so again a year from now.

That means Cousins is, essentially, in a contract year proving to any suitors he’s worth a long-term, lucrative deal. Perhaps with Washington.

But there’s a problem. Well, three of them.

First, his former offensive coordinator, Sean McVay, left town to take the Rams’ head coaching gig. Cousins experienced his best success at the NFL level under McVay, and who knows if current OC Matt Cavanaugh will generate anything close to the same results.

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In addition, Cousins will be without two of his best receiving options — Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, who left for the 49ers and Buccaneers, respectively, via free agency.

Count three critical members of Cousins’ stat lines in 2016 gone. How well will he adjust?

It’s possible Cousins is just fine. Maybe his numbers take a bit of a hit, but the on-field efforts remain the same.

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Or we could see a serious regression, harming his chances to land that huge contract this offseason.