NFL Quarterback franchise tag could hit $20 million

Quarterback: $19.6 million ($17.5 million)

Keeping Kirk Cousins with the franchise tag could turn into the $20 million option for the Washington Redskins.

Cousins is one candidate for the deal, but many are in the conversation, including Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry and Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.

If the salary cap jumps from $144 million in 2015 to $153 million, the estimated value of the one-year deal for a franchise quarterback is $19.6 million. The transition tag isn't as costly, but brings less security. Teams retain refusal rights with either tag but can use only one, not both, per offseason.

The league has not informed teams of the 2016 salary cap figure and if it exceeds $153 million, the value of the franchise tag will also increase above the 2016 estimated figures below:

Quarterback

$19.6 million, transition tag $17.5 million

Defensive end

$15.4 million, transition tag, $12.5 million

Wide Receiver

$14.4 million, transition tag, $12 million

Linebacker

$14 million, transition tag, $11.7 million

Cornerback

$13.7 million, transition tag, $11.7 million

Offensive line

$13.5 million, transition tag, $11.65 million)

Defensive tackle

$13.4 million, transition tag, $10.7 million

Running back

$11.5 million, transition tag, $9.5 million

Safety

$10.6 million, transition tag $9 million)

Tight End

$9 million, transition tag, $7.6 million)

Kicker/Punter

$4.5 million, transition tag, $4 million)