Kirk Cousins Reportedly Appealed for Trade to Redskins Owner Dan Snyder

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins reportedly asked team owner Dan Snyder directly to consider trading him.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported Thursday that Cousins, who the Redskins used the exclusive franchise tag on earlier this offseason, was told "not to get his hopes up" about a potential deal.

However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Cousins will sign his franchise tag in the near future and knows a trade is unlikely.

The Cousins situation has become an absolute mess for Washington.

Instead of locking him up with a long-term agreement last year, which Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports noted would have taken a $20 million base salary, the team used the franchise tag. It's a decision the front office was forced to replicate this offseason without an extension in place.

Now his cap figure is just under $24 million for 2017 if he plays under the tag, which ranks fourth in the NFL at the position, according to Spotrac.

Meanwhile, Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post stated last week the sides talked about an extension, but the Redskins were offering $20 million annually. He noted those discussions didn't lead to much progress as they "aren't close to a deal."

The absence of general manager Scot McCloughan further complicates the situation. Although details about his time away from the organization have been sparse, John Keim of ESPN.com noted team president Bruce Allen called it a family matter, and a timetable for his return is unknown.

Trey Wingo of ESPN summed up an offseason already getting away from Washington:

A Cousins trade would be difficult because of the limited leverage the front office owns due to the quarterback's reported desire to land with the San Francisco 49ers.

Rejoining former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, the new Niners' head coach, makes San Francisco his "preferred destination," according to Keim. In addition, the quarterback wouldn't be interested in a long-term extension if he gets traded elsewhere.

So, even though there are numerous teams seeking quarterback upgrades this offseason, they aren't likely to give up prized assets for what could become a one-year rental. It puts the 49ers in the driver's seat if the Redskins do make Cousins available.

That said, the fact the 28-year-old Michigan State product has taken his quest to get dealt all the way to the top of the organization without any success lessens the likelihood of a quick resolution. He may be forced to prove himself again in Washington after tossing 54 touchdowns over the past two years.