Cousins has already done it once, playing under the tag in 2016 (earning $19.96 million) and succeeding enough to position the Redskins on the cusp of the postseason and himself for another large, yet insecure contract. A second season under the tag will maximize his immediate earning power in pocketing him a great sum of money, and will preserve his flexibility, either setting him up for a bigger payday or a chance to play elsewhere, should things go south in Washington.