Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins signs franchise tender

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins officially signed his one-year franchise tender on Friday for the guaranteed salary of almost $24 million this season.

It was the second straight year that the franchise tag was used on Cousins, who received the non-exclusive franchise tag in 2015. His agent confirmed the signing.

The Redskins can negotiate with Cousins on a long-term deal until July 15. Should the sides remain at an impasse, Cousins will make $23.94 million for the 2017 season.

Cousins asked team owner Daniel Snyder for a trade without a long-term contract in place, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Thursday. But Snyder told Cousins that he should not anticipate a trade, according to the report.

Cousins is prevented from negotiating with teams under the exclusive franchise tag that was placed on him Feb. 28.

Before being tagged last month, Cousins had reportedly expressed interest in a reunion with former Redskins offensive coordinator and new 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. The door apparently closed for this year with the 49ers after they reached an agreement with free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer on a two-year deal.

Cousins threw for a career-high 4,917 yards with 25 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions last season.

Cousins is entering his sixth NFL season after throwing for 12,113 yards, 72 touchdowns and 42 interceptions in five previous seasons with Washington. He ranks sixth on the Redskins' all-time passing yards list and trails fifth-place Billy Kilmer by 239 yards.

Cousins' 72 career touchdowns also ranks sixth in franchise history, trailing fifth-place Mark Rypien by 29.