The Redskins are reportedly considering using the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins even though they have already acquired his replacement in Alex Smith. If that happens, Albert Breer of The MMQB‘s “understanding” is that Cousins’ camp would quickly file a grievance against the team.

Players often bemoan the franchise tag, but there is no precedent for getting it turned over. In the case of Cousins, the camp would argue that the Redskins are violating the spirit of the rule, since the tag is supposed to be used in order to give teams additional time to get a long-term deal done. After years of lowball offers and the acquisition of Smith, it’s clear that the Redskins have zero intention of giving Cousins a multi-year contract. Instead, the Redskins would only use the non-exclusive tag on Cousins to collect draft compensation from the team that signs him.

The Redskins would be taking a major gamble by tagging Cousins. Although several QB-needy teams are planning to line up for Cousins in March, it’s possible that none of them will be willing to cough up two first-round picks for him. This year’s QB free agent crop may include decent consolation prizes like Case Keenum and A.J. McCarron. Meanwhile, draft prospects Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen may have franchise QB potential. Instead of sacrificing two first-round picks for Cousins, a team picking outside of the top two could use that draft capital to move up for those younger options. They’d also be much cheaper. This year’s No. 1 overall pick is slotted to earn $32.8MM on a four-year deal with a $21.9MM signing bonus. A franchise-tagged Cousins would cost $34.5MM for the upcoming season and command at least $30MM/year on a long-term contract.

And, even if Cousins is tagged and loses his grievance, he’ll have a great deal of leverage on his side. Cousins could delay signing the tender for weeks or months, forcing Washington to carry the $34.5MM number against its salary cap since he cannot be traded before putting pen to paper. Cousins could also tell a potential trade partner that he is unwilling to sign a long-term deal, which would scare any GM off of giving up two first rounders. If the Redskins tag Cousins and remove it later, they’ll lose the right to gain a 2019 compensatory pick, which they would get if Cousins leaves right away as an unrestricted free agent.

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