Redskins' Cousins accepts 1-year franchise tender

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has officially accepted the team's franchise tender, according to his agent Mike McCartney.

Cousins will sign the offer on Thursday morning, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports, and be paid $19.95 million if he plays under the tag in 2016.

Signing the tender takes the possibility of negotiating a contract with another team, which would then have to compensate the Redskins with two first-round picks in exchange for signing Cousins, off the table.

With the two sides reportedly far apart on long-term deal, Cousins is likely acting in good faith in order to show the Redskins he wants to be with the team, and won't be holding out or looking for a contract with another franchise.

It's unlikely Cousins will play under the tag this season because the Redskins would then risk losing him to the open market a year from now, in addition to tying up almost $20 million against the cap in 2016.