Kirk Cousins: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent QB

The Washington Redskins will in all likelihood re-sign Kirk Cousins this offseason. The only question is whether they ink their starting quarterback to a long-term deal or slap the franchise tag on him for the 2016 season.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Cousins Contract Talks

Tuesday, Feb. 16

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Cousins and the Redskins have ended contract talks and have no further talks scheduled. However, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the conversation is ongoing, although there's a "bridge to gap."

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McCloughan Comments on Franchise Tag

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Speaking on Jan. 27, general manager Scot McCloughan called the franchise tag "an option" but added the team is looking at the alternatives, too, per Andrew Walker of Washington's official website: "I want him to be part of the Redskins. You’d rather get a long-term deal done, but we have a lot of options we’re dealing with right now and that’s one of them."

According to NFL Media's Albert Breer, tagging Cousins would mean paying him a $19.6 million salary for next year.

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Cousins' Value Determined by One Productive Season

Cousins proved he can be a capable starter in the league, but it's still a question as to whether he's worthy of being paid like one of the best at his position. The Baltimore Ravens have paid dearly for the massive extension they offered to Joe Flacco in 2013. At least Washington would have a better idea of Cousins' value a year from now if it used the franchise tag on him.

It's still early in the offseason, though, so both parties have plenty of time to reach an agreement on a new contract.