WASHINGTON (AP) – The Redskins have placed the franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins, setting him up to earn about $20 million for next season while still leaving open the possibility of a long-term contract.
Tuesday was the deadline for NFL teams to use a franchise or transition tag. By choosing the franchise tag, the Redskins prevent Cousins from becoming an unrestricted free agent – a status that would leave Washington with nothing in return if the player reached a deal with another team.
The franchise tag for a quarterback in 2016 is $19.953 million. The Redskins now have until July 15 to negotiate with Cousins on a longer contract.
Cousins had a breakthrough year last season, his fourth in the league but first as a full-time starter, taking the job from Robert Griffin III late in preseason and never letting go. Washington won the NFC East behind Cousins.
Cousins led the NFL with a 69.8 completion percentage, set a league record with a home completion mark of 74.7 percent, and finished with 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, a franchise-record 4,166 yards and a passer rating of 101.6. He helped the Redskins win the division with four consecutive victories to end the regular season at 9-7; they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.