Fansided

NFL franchise tag players: Who gets signed?

By Matt Verderame

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the second half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the second half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Kirk Cousins

Cousins was a solid backup for the first three years of his career with the Washington Redskins, and then everything changed in 2015. After head coach Jay Gruden decided to flip-flop on his offseason decision of starting Robert Griffin III at quarterback, Cousins was given the chance to prove his worth and exceeded all expectations.

Cousins led the Redskins to a 9-7 record and the NFC East title in a season when most picked Washington to finish with four or five wins. Cousins was brilliant at times, throwing for 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns against only 11 interceptions. Cousins also racked up four straight wins in December and January to put the Redskins in the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season of 2012, throwing 12 touchdowns to one interception in that stretch.

Currently, Cousins is getting paid $19.9 million on the tag for 2016, and Washington can actually afford it. Still, the Redskins would like to get Cousins signed to a long-term deal. It would make sense for both sides, and considering the importance of the quarterback these days, look for the sum to be ample.

Verdict: Signs a four-year, $80 million deal with $45 million guaranteed

Next: Muhammad Wilkerson

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