Ex-NFL agent: Redskins using RG3 as 'a pawn' in Cousins contract talks

Robert Griffin III is virtually guaranteed to hit free agency at some point in the coming weeks, but the Washington Redskins have still yet to make his release official.

Former NFL agent Joel Corry suggests the delayed action may be a leverage play in the club's ongoing long-term negotiations with starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.

"He’s kind of a pawn in this whole Kirk Cousins game," Corry recently told JP Finlay of CSN Mid-Atlantic.

"The agent’s not going to buy it," Corry added. "The agent's probably trying hard not to laugh."

Either way, it's still only a matter of time before Griffin hits the open market. The Redskins will certainly look to part ways before his $16.1-million contract option becomes guaranteed March 9.

Continuing to put off the move for the time being merely delays the head start Griffin would otherwise have on his first trip to free agency.

Despite having tumbled to the bottom of Washington's depth chart, serving as the No. 3 quarterback behind Cousins and Colt McCoy, Griffin should have no shortage of suitors on the open market. A number of teams around the league find themselves in search of a starter, while countless others could be willing to groom the talented former first-round pick as a backup.

Cousins, meanwhile, positioned himself for a significant pay day after stepping in as the full-time starter for the final year of his rookie contract.

Should the two sides not agree to terms on a long-term deal ahead of free agency, Cousins will almost certainly be hit with the franchise tag.

- With h/t to FOXSports