A report has surfaced stating that the Washington Redskins are tagging quarterback Kirk Cousins, but it is unknown if the team will use the franchise tag or transition tag at this time, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's unclear if the Redskins will actually place the tag on Cousins, as a conflicting report states the team has not made a decision on whether to tag him, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.
Many expected Cousins to receive the franchise tag after negotiations stalled, and The Washington Post reported that Washington's franchise quarterback wouldn't be disappointed if the team decided to go in that direction. The Redskins are likely not about to let Cousins walk after a career-season in which he set the Redskins single season passing record.
Cousins led the Redskins to a NFC East division title for the first time since 2012, completed 69.8 percent of his passes for 4,166 yards and threw 29 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Cousins also rushed for five touchdowns and played his best football late in the season to lockup a postseason berth for his team.
While the Redskins will reportedly tag Cousins, it's unknown which tag the team will use. The transition tag will cost the team less money this season, but it leaves an opportunity for another team to make a push in signing him, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. If the Redskins can't match that offer, they could lose their franchise quarterback, which is why it seems more likely for them to use the franchise tag. While that would seem the case, the transition tag is reportedly very much in play, and the team is keeping all options open, as they haven't ruled out a tag-and-trade scenario, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
The franchise tag would give Cousins $2 million more in salary than the transition tag, but it would lock up their quarterback while their front office tries to negotiate a long-term contract prior to next season. It will be interesting to see what decision the Redskins front office decides, and reports regarding the Redskins quarterback have been all over the board as the franchise and transition tag deadline comes closer.
