Washington Redskins: Tagging, trading Kirk Cousins ideal, just not likely

Will the Washington Redskins apply the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins with the hopes of moving him? Possibly, but it would be extremely risky.

The Washington Redskins stole the show during Super Bowl week when they traded for Alex Smith. That meant — or so we thought — the end of Kirk Cousins’ six-year reign in Washington.

Then, on Saturday night, Grant Paulsen of D.C.’s 106.7 The Fan said the Redskins were entertaining another franchise tag for Cousins with the hope of trading him for more than just the third-round compensatory pick they’d receive in 2019. Is this even possible?

Well, yes. But a number of things would have to go in Washington’s favor for this to happen. First, if the Redskins franchise Cousins, that will count $34 million against the salary cap. A transition tag would cost $28 million. However, a franchise tag wouldn’t be an option as Cousins would be free to negotiate with a team of his choice and a team could front-load the deal so Washington couldn’t match.

About the franchise tag, the Redskins have about two weeks to decide if they want to apply it and the deadline is March 6. Free agency opens on March 14. If the Redskins are going to trade Cousins, there’s a good chance they’d know before March 6 if there is a team out there that would be willing to part with at least a second-round pick.

Don’t count on it.

Why would a team part with a significant pick knowing the Redskins can’t afford to carry Cousins on their 2018 salary cap? One reason, a team with plenty of cap room, like the New York Jets, could offer Washington a second-round pick to get Cousins in town and start building a relationship. The Jets also happen to have an extra second-rounder. Multiple sources have noted the Jets plan to pursue Cousins.

The Denver Broncos are expected to be their prime competition. If it’s truly about setting the market at the quarterback position, the Jets will win that battle. If it’s about comfort, Denver could be hard to beat. So, it does make sense on the surface for Washington to float the possibility of another tag to see if teams reach out about trading for Cousins. It would come with risk, though. Cousins’ agent is likely going to tell teams he will not sign a long-term deal with them in order to force Washington to allow him to enter unrestricted free agency.

While trading Cousins is still unlikely to happen, consider this is a smart move by Washington’s brass. Yes, you won’t hear that too often. If a team decides to call Allen up and offer the team a second-round pick or multiple mid-round picks, it becomes a smart move. The Redskins would like to recoup the third-rounder they lose in the trade with Kansas City.

Next: Nick Foles: 10 Possible trade destinations in 2018

Buckle up, Washington fans. These next few weeks are going to be very interesting on the Cousins front.