Report: Kirk Cousins to sign Redskins franchise tag

The Washington Redskins use their franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The Washington Redskins will use their non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins, the team announced.

Cousins will sign his franchise tender on Thursday morning, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan first reported the news, which was confirmed by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

The tag gives Cousins, 27, a fully-guaranteed $19.95 million for one year. The sides have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal, or Cousins will play under the tag. With the non-exclusive tag, Cousins could sign with another team, but the Redskins would receive two No.1 draft selections as compensation. The Washington Post reports Cousins’s camp wanted him to have the chance to test free agency while allowing Washington to protect itself with the tag.

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Cousins is coming off his first full season as a starter after supplanting Robert Griffin III at quarterback. He finished the season throwing 23 touchdowns and three interceptions in the team’s final 10 games after tossing six touchdowns and eight picks in the first six.