Report: 49ers eyeing Cousins if Redskins don't use exclusive franchise tag

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly looking to make a major move at the game's most important position.

If the Washington Redskins don't use the exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, the 49ers will make a run at acquiring the quarterback, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

It's still possible the Redskins and Cousins reach a long-term deal before using the franchise tag for the second straight season. However, the two parties were far apart in negotiations last season, and there's been no indication either side is willing to compromise.

The difference between the exclusive and non-exclusive franchise tag is the former gives the team full negotiating rights on the player, while the latter allows the player to sign an offer sheet with another team. The original team has the option to match that offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation.

The exclusive tag is also more expensive, as it requires the player to be paid the average salary of the top five salaries for that position in the current year, or 120 percent of the players' salary in the previous year, whichever is greater.

Kyle Shanahan is reportedly all but certain to become the 49ers' next head coach and spent two seasons coaching Cousins with the Washington Redskins from 2012-12.

Shanahan was "integral" in the drafting of Cousins, Rapoport notes.