Skip to main content

Following Dak Prescott’s injury, Kirk Cousin’s advice on franchise tags rings true

By Ryan Homler

Following Prescott's injury, Cousin's advice on franchise tags rings true originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

As Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott went down with a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in Week 5 against the Giants, the first concern was his health. Images of the injury and the reaction of Prescott and others showed that his season was over.

Though the initial surgery went well and Prescott is in good spirits, another reality set in shortly after: The talented passer’s financial future is now in jeopardy.

It’s been well-known that the fifth-year pro and the Cowboys were unable to structure a long-term deal in the offseason, forcing Prescott to be franchised tagged for the 2020 season. While he’s making $31.4 million this year, what comes next is unclear. An injury sidelining him only raises more questions.

Former Washington and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback is very familiar with the franchise tag situation. During the 2016 and 2017 season in Washington, Cousins was tagged as the two sides could not work out a new deal.

The quarterback believes it was the right move, and even mention to Prescott in 2019 to not shy away from the tag.

“My message to Dak, when I saw him midseason last year, was, ‘Hey, whatever happens, don’t be afraid of the tag. It can be your friend, and you can use it to your advantage,'” Cousins said to ESPN.

“I believe the franchise tag can be your friend,” Cousins said. “I don’t think it’s something to be disappointed with. I think it enables you to be well compensated, and deservedly so, for the upcoming season.”

However, there was one stipulation to playing under the tag that Cousins saw as essential. Playing with no financial security for the future, Cousins made sure to take out an injury insurance policy for those seasons. That way, if a major injury derailed his season, he would still be able to take care of himself and his family.

That advice is something Cousins noted he would pass on to Prescott during an interview on the “10 Questions With Kyle Brandt” podcast prior to the regular season.

“Well that would be my advice, honestly. Would be make sure you have an insurance policy,” Cousins said. “That’s the cost of doing business. If you’re willing to write that check and pay for that cost, go play football.”

“And again he even, far more than I did, has a track record now where, regardless of what happens in 2020 or 2021, he’s proven then what he can do. So it’s really not going to change my perceived value of him or his value really to teams, I would think is pretty much steady.”

Now, that suggestion reigns truer following Prescott’s injury. It’s unclear whether or not he followed what Cousins did, but he is now in the situation that the former Washington quarterback feared the most. Despite a hot start to 2020, everything is now in limbo.

While Cousins believes that Prescott has shown enough in the past to earn a big contract no matter what came this season, a serious health problem will bring with it consequences. The NFL is a business more than anything, and if the Cowboys don’t think Prescott is worth his value prior to the injury, the Brinks truck may not be backed up.

For now, Prescott’s main focus will be on his recovery, and rightfully so. Eventually, the time to determine his next contract in the NFL will come. It was a freak incident, but one that complicates the already complicated nature of playing under the franchise tag.

When Cousins went through the situation, many considered it a major risk. Based on his explanation of what went into the situation and the plans he put in place, it is clear he was prepared for any circumstance.

For quarterbacks who may end up down a similar path down the line, it may be wise to consider Cousins’ advice.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Judge says U-Md. decision to cancel interfaith vigil violates First Amendment rights

Peter Laviolette out as Washington Capitals’ head coach

Former Md. chief of staff McGrath found and killed in Tennessee during arrest