[KI Skins Fan]

As a reminder, here's what Scot McCloughan had to say about Kirk's ceiling on 106.7 The Fan radio in May of this year:

"His ceiling is where it's at right now," McCloughan told hosts Grant Paulsen and Danny Rouhier. “He’s a good player who has proven he can win a division and that’s hard to find -- and a chance for two years in a row to go to the playoffs. That’s what you’re looking for.”

It’s what the Redskins have -- and yet no offer has come close to getting a deal done. But the reasons why also can be found in McCloughan’s comments, reiterating points he made when he was still in charge. The Redskins need to make sure they can afford players at other positions, too. That’s something even coach Jay Gruden has mentioned in the past as well. It’s always been central to the issue.

"Everyone says it’s the most important position on the field," McCloughan said. “I understand he touches the ball every snap, but it’s the guys around him. If you’re paying the quarterback, then you’re losing an offensive lineman, you’re going to lose the defensive lineman, you’re going to lose the corner. With the cap, you can’t afford it."