Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins will play on franchise tag

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag after failing to reach agreement on a long-term deal before Friday's deadline for franchise players, the team announced.

Cousins will earn $19.95 million next season and will be the first quarterback to play on the franchise tag since Drew Brees did so with the San Diego Chargers in 2005.

Cousins, 27, has been a starter in the NFL for just one season, but he was impressive in that role for the Redskins - especially late in the campaign.

He started all 16 regular-season games for the Redskins last season, throwing for 4,166 yards with 29 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Over the final 10 games of the 2016 season, Cousins threw 23 touchdown passes with just three interceptions.