New Washington Redskins wide receiver Terrelle Pryor has already swapped text messages with his new quarterback. The question is whether he will catch passes from him this season.
"I played with six quarterbacks last year. I don't think it can get that bad." Terrelle Pryor, on the Redskins' QB situation
Pryor, on a conference call with the Washington media, said he did not press the Redskins on quarterback Kirk Cousins' status. But Pryor was clear on his desire for what he hopes takes place. The Redskins placed the franchise tag on Cousins, who has already signed. Barring a trade, he will play on the tag.
"Obviously, I would like to play with Kirk," Pryor said. "I'd be an idiot if I didn't believe that. He's a great quarterback. Hopefully that's what happens."
Besides, Pryor said, "I played with six quarterbacks last year. I don't think it can get that bad."
Actually, he only played with five quarterbacks last year in Cleveland -- Pryor himself was the sixth to play the position. Still, Pryor managed to catch 77 passes for 1007 yards and 4 touchdowns for the 1-15 Browns.
In Washington, he will be surrounded by more targets in the passing game, with receiver Jamison Crowder and tight ends Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis. Last year's first-round pick, wide receiver Josh Doctson, will be added to that list, assuming his nagging Achilles issue has, indeed, been rectified.
Those players were among the reasons Pryor said Washington appealed to him. He signed a one-year deal worth up to $8 million with the Redskins on Friday. Pryor helps replace the lost production with the departures of 1,000-yard receivers Pierre Garcon (San Francisco) and DeSean Jackson (Tampa Bay).
"I liked the supporting cast, along with Kirk Cousins being the quarterback," he said, "assuming he'll be there. Whether he was or not, I liked the supporting cast. That puts a lot of pressure on defenses, and that can help out. It will help us get some wins."
Pryor said he texted with Cousins Friday -- they played one game versus each other when Pryor was at Ohio State and Cousins was at Michigan State.
"It was good to meet with him," Pryor said. "A couple receivers and myself, we'll meet with him and start working together."
Cousins has started the past two years, throwing for a combined 9,083 yards with 54 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He's at an impasse with the Redskins over a long-term deal. Their latest offer, made before the scouting combine, was for five years and $100 million. But the guarantees, a source said, were too low. Cousins will make $24 million on the tag, and if he hits free agency next offseason, he could more than double that in total guarantees on his next contract.
It's led to speculation that perhaps the Redskins should trade him, knowing there's a chance he'd sign elsewhere after next season. In that scenario, if he's unrestricted, the Redskins would only receive a third-round compensatory pick in 2019.
"I signed to be a Washington Redskin no matter who the quarterback is," Pryor said. "But I'd love the opportunity to play with Kirk, without a doubt. He's a great quarterback."