Report: Kirk Cousins wants out of Washington

Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The best free agent quarterback available allegedly does not want to play for the Washington Redskins.

ESPN's Jason Reid reported Thursday that Kirk Cousins "doesn't want to be in Ashburn." He also said Cousins wants the franchise tag for 2017.

"For the past couple of years, former Redskins officials who know Cousins have said he really doesn't want to be in Ashburn," Reid reported. "He wants tag."

Reid also reported that: "at this point, it makes sense for everyone to move on."

Cousins, 28, has developed into a prolific passer under Jay Gruden. The Pro Bowl selection passed for a career-high 4,917 yards last season while throwing 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In 2015, he led the NFL by completing 69.8 percent of his passes. Former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is now the coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He could be looking at a reunion with his former quarterback this season or next season.

ESPN's John Keim reported this week that Shanahan "will be tempted" to go after Cousins. The CBA stipulates two-first round picks as compensation for the quarterback, but terms can be negotiated, according to Keim.

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the Redskins and Cousins "hadn't come any closer on an agreement."

Cousins, who signed the franchise tag last offseason, would make $23.94 million under the 2017 tag. He made $19.95 million last season. The CBA stipulates that a franchise-tagged player who is tagged again the following year is due a 120-percent raise. That means Cousins would be due $34.5 million if he were to be franchise-tagged again in 2018.

Cousins told NFL.com's Conor Orr last month at the Pro Bowl that he was "open minded" about where he ends up.

"I don't know," Cousins told Orr. "I think you have to have an open mind but ultimately it's not in my hands in the sense that the team is going to make that decision and I'll react accordingly."

If Cousins is somehow signed long-term before the 2017 season, he could see the richest contract in NFL history.