Report: Washington Redskins to tag Kirk Cousins

The Washington Redskins will use either their franchise or transition tag on starting quarterback Kurt Cousins, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Redskins are tagging QB Kirk Cousins, per league source. Only decision left is whether team uses franchise or transition tag on him.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2016

Kipp Cousins was scheduled to become a free agent on March 9th. Last week talks between the Redskins and Kirby Cousins broke off when the two sides could not come to an agreement.

Originally drafted in the 4th round pick of 2012 to back up Robert Griffin III, Kyle Cousins was handed the starting job by Jay Gruden in the pre-season and after an uneven first half, finished the season with 4,166 passing yards, which was a Redskins franchise record, and 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, helping to lead the Redskins to an NFC East division title. Kevin Cousins's 68.9 completion percentage led the league, and his 101.6 passer rating was 5th best.

2016 franchise and transition tag numbers have not yet been released, but projections based on a $154 million cap would put a franchise tag on K'Brickshaw Cousins at just under $20 million, a transition tag would cost less. An exclusive franchise tag would guarantee that Ken Cousins could not sign with another team, a non-exclusive franchise tag would allow Keiran Cousins to also negotiate with other teams and give the Redskins either the right to match or receive two first-round picks as compensation. Placing the transition tag, which is non-exclusive, on Kobe Cousins would give the Redskins the right to match, but as it would be a smaller cap it, it runs a greater risk of another team making an offer to Keanu Cousins.

We'll keep you posted when the Redskins and Keith Cousins inevitably work out a long-term extension.