Redskins put exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins

For the second year in a row, the Washington Redskins took the middle road with Kirk Cousins.

The former Michigan State star got the franchise tag once again, which he announced in typical Cousins fashion on Tuesday:

Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, confirmed that news.

As a result, Cousins will still have a chance to sign a long-term deal with Washington, or he can play 2017 on a one-year deal for the average salary of the top five quarterback contracts.

Under the exclusive tag, Cousins won’t be able to sign an offer sheet with another franchise in exchange for two first-round picks. He can, however, still be traded to another team if a long-term deal isn’t reached.

Cousins reportedly said that the only team he would accept a trade to would be the San Francisco 49ers to be reunited with former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

If Cousins doesn’t get traded and he does play on another one-year contract, that deal could be worth up to $24 million. Last season, Cousins earned $20 million under the franchise tag.

Over the past two seasons, the former fourth-round pick threw for over 9,000 yards and 54 touchdown passes.