The Washington Redskins know, if they keep quarterback Kirk Cousins long-term, that they must surround him with enough talent to flourish. That's why deciding what they should pay him, or accepting that figure, has been difficult.
But if they do sign him, they can't blame any future mishaps on Cousins' contract limiting their ability to improve. It's just not accurate. If the Redskins sign Cousins and fail to get better, it's because of other moves that didn't work out -- whether this offseason or from the past.