Report: Cousins unlikely to sign before deadline, open to deal after season

Kirk Cousins is not expected to sign a long-term deal with the Washington Redskins before Monday's deadline for franchise-tagged players, but is open to a deal after the season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Due to earn $23.94 million this season after being franchise tagged for a second straight year, Cousins is loaded with leverage and has a good shot at becoming the NFL's highest-paid player when he eventually signs his next contract.

The two sides have never appeared likely to reach a deal before Monday's deadline, but Schefter's report should help squash the rumor that Cousins wants out of Washington and has no intention of ever signing a long-term deal with the team.

Tagging Cousins for a third straight season would cost the Redskins an untenable figure in the range of $34.5 million fully guaranteed, so it's likely the situation will come to a conclusion (either via a long-term deal or Cousins being traded) early next offseason.