Redskins place franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins (Yahoo Sports)

A year ago at this time, Kirk Cousins was relegated to backup status with the Washington Redskins, owned a resume that included only nine NFL starts and more interceptions than touchdowns, and was playing under a four-year rookie contract barely worth a total of more than $2.5 million. Coming off a breakthrough season for their quarterback, the Redskins announced Tuesday they placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Cousins, setting him up to earn about $20 million next season and making sure he doesn't become an unrestricted free agent next week. By choosing the non-exclusive franchise tag, the Redskins allow Cousins to talk to other clubs, but Washington would be allowed to match any offer - or receive a pair of first-round draft picks as compensation should he leave.