In theory, tagging and trading would be a genius move. Acquire your quarterback of the near future for a cheaper price, and trade away your old quarterback for what should be fruitful compensation.
But the Washington Redskins will bear no fruit from Kirk Cousins when it’s all said and done. A tag and trade scenario is now unattainable, for several reasons.
First, financially, it would never work. The Washington Redskins, by the start of the league year, would have around $35 million left in salary cap, assuming the Alex Smith trade does not fall through.