Washington (wisely) places non-exclusive tag on Kirk Cousins

Good news for Washington fans: your team is making the smarter move.

Via reporter Grant Paulsen, Washington is placing the franchise tag – and not the transition tag – on quarterback Kirk Cousins in advance of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.

It will be the non-exclusive tag.

	Grant Paulsen @granthpaulsen
Sources: The franchise tag the #Redskins are using on Kirk Cousins will be a non-exclusive franchise tag. 9:57 AM - 1 Mar 2016

There was a report on Monday that it was "most likely" Washington would place the transition tag on Cousins, who started all 16 games for the NFC East-winning club last season. But while the transition tag would save money against the cap, it was a risky move, as explained here.

The non-exclusive tag carries risk with it too, though not as much: Cousins can still negotiate with other teams, as he could under the transition, but by rule, if he signs with another team, it must give Washington two first-round draft picks.

Had Washington used the exclusive tag, Cousins would not have been allowed to negotiate with other clubs.

Washington and Cousins now have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal; if they do not, Cousins will play the 2016 season under the terms of the tag, which is fully guaranteed.