Report: Cousins won't sign long-term deal before franchise tag deadline

Kirk Cousins could still sign a long-term contract extension with the Washington Redskins this offseason, but that won't happen before the franchise tag deadline on March 1, sources told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

The Redskins are all but certain to place the tag on Cousins for a second straight year, at which point negotiations for a new, big-money deal will likely begin to gain momentum.

While avoiding another offseason of uncertainty would be best for both parties, it was highly unlikely a deal would be reached before the deadline.

Both the Redskins and Cousins have said they'd be comfortable with another year under the tag, which would see the quarterback earn just under $24 million in 2017.

If the Redskins use the non-exclusive tag on Cousins, it leaves open the possibility that he could be signed by another team, though Washington would have the option to match the offer or receive two first-round picks for the pivot.

Cousins has produced back-to-back impressive statistical seasons, but the Redskins appear reluctant to hand him elite quarterback money.