Kirk Cousins won’t be playing in a 49ers’ uniform in the 2017-’18 season, after the Washington Redskins chose to use their franchise tag on the Pro Bowl quarterback, as first reported by former NFL pro scouting director, Mike McCartney.
The @Redskins have placed the Exclusive Franchise Tag on @KirkCousins8
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) February 28, 2017
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the deal minutes later.
#Redskins QB Kirk Cousins will now make $24M in 2017 — and can essentially makes tag-proof for the rest of his career. #freedom
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2017
The 49ers were targeting Cousins heavily as a possible fit for new head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, after the two had so much success in Washington together two seasons ago. While Cousins could still be dealt in a trade to the 49ers this season, it’s most likely that we won’t see him in a 49ers’ uniform in 2017.