Redskins Free Agency Updates: Cousins' contract, DeSean Jackson to Tampa?, Garcon gone?, Baker in demand

The NFL Combine is almost over, with workouts scheduled through tomorrow. The Combine also acts as a meeting ground for NFL coaches, executives, and agents to talk about their free agents, gauge the value of players and a little illegal tampering. The Combine ends tomorrow, March 6th, and the "legal tampering" window opens on March 7th. This 3 day period lasts until NFL free agency officially starts on March 9th at 4pm EST.

The Washington Redskins have almost 20 free agents heading into the new league year, and will need to re-sign several, along with signing a few players from other teams. The Redskins have already re-signed long snapper Nick Sundberg, placed the exclusive franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins, and tendered ERFA OLs Ty Nsekhe and Vinston Painter. The Redskins are expected to have plenty of cap money for free agency($30-40 million after tagging Cousins), and could create more with several veteran cuts.

Here are the latest updates on some of the Redskins free agents, and players they could be interested in this year.

Kirk Cousins:

One source said the Redskins' latest offer, first reported by the Washington Post and made earlier this offseason, stands at $20 million per year over five years. However, the source said the guarantees "were low," and the desire remains for any new deal to start at the tag number of approximately $24 million.

More from his agent Mike McCartney:

"The Redskins had let us know how much they value Kirk and how they see him as a franchise quarterback," McCartney told the NFL Network on Thursday. "I do think it was a question of whether they were going to put the exclusive tag or the nonexclusive tag on him. When they put the exclusive tag on him, they tried to send a message that, 'Hey, Kirk is our guy. We believe in him.' We took that the right way."

"At the end of the day, they're the ones that placed the franchise tag on him," McCartney said. "A player, when his contract is up, looks forward to going to free agency to see what his value is on the open market. This is the second straight year that's been taken away from Kirk, so the Redskins did say something about, 'Hey, this guy is worth $24 million.'

"Kirk didn't ask for the franchise tag. I didn't ask for the franchise tag. Still, it's a heck of a commitment from the club, and we view it that way."

DeSean Jackson:

Redskins officials were scheduled to meet with Jackson’s agent Saturday. However, people close to Jackson say the nine-year veteran is likely to land more lucrative offers from outside teams. Some league insiders say they believe that Jackson — who remains one of the fastest receivers in the NFL and has averaged 47 catches for 900 yards and 4.6 touchdowns in three seasons with Washington — could command a payday worth $9 million to $12 million per season.

Tampa Bay is expected to heavily pursue Jackson, and the Eagles and Rams also have been mentioned as potential suitors.

Jackson could be signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the beginning of the free agency signing period which is Thursday, March 9th. I was told he is flying to Tampa mid-week during the “legal tampering” period where free agents can negotiate openly with other teams.

Pierre Garcon:

Garcon has also ranked among the most productive receivers on the free agent market. League insiders say they believe he will draw offers of between $7 million and $10 million per year.

While some take the lack of communication as a sign that Washington will allow Garcon to test the market, other league insiders say they had received indication that the Redskins prefer to keep the nine-year veteran and could initiate talks just before the start of free agency.

Chris Baker:

Chris Baker, the team’s top defensive lineman the past two seasons, is a free agent, and there’s mutual interest in keeping the fifth-year pro in Washington. His representatives met with team officials, according to two sources, who described the talks as “encouraging.” However, no offer was extended.

Dallas Cowboys DT Terrell McClain: