Cousins doesn't mind 49ers rumors: 'It's good to be wanted'

Kirk Cousins doesn't expect to be heading to a new team this offseason, but he doesn't mind the extra attention

While Cousins has admitted that he expects to stay with the Washington Redskins next season - either on a new deal or under another franchise tag - he's fine with reports that the San Francisco 49ers would be interested in him if he isn't hit with the exclusive tag.

"It's good to be wanted," Cousins told KNBR radio on Thursday. "So hopefully down the road there will be people wanting me. But we'll see how it all plays out. The unique thing about the franchise tag is if the Redskins choose to place that on me, then I'm pretty much off the market.

"So we'll see what they choose to do come March 1. And the ball is in their court, along those lines, but based on that, I'll react accordingly."

Cousins would be guaranteed just under $24 million in 2017 if the Redskins tagged him again. The 49ers, or any other team, could still pry Cousins away if the non-exclusive franchise tag is placed on him by giving up two first-round picks to Washington.

"(The franchise tag) is a good amount of money, so I'm not complaining," Cousins said. "As my agent told me from Day One, the franchise tag is your friend."

The 28-year-old finished third in league passing yards with 4,917 in 2016 and notched 29 total touchdowns with 12 interceptions.