Jay Gruden was less than enthusiastic in describing the 2017 season of Kirk Cousins, who will again be a free agent.

"It's hard to say, 'Wow, this guy really was outstanding,'" Gruden said, speaking in general. "Kirk had his flashes where he was really good. From a consistent standpoint, over the course of 16 games, we're 7-9. He did some great things, threw for over 4,000 yards and [27] touchdowns. He's a very, very good quarterback without a doubt, but as far as getting us over the hump from 7-9 to winning the division with all the injuries we had, he competed and did some good things."

Washington must decide whether they want to use a franchise tag for a third time or apply the transition tag. 

Gruden said Washington must plan on the possibility of Cousins not returning.

"We have to," Gruden said. "There are ways to plan for it. We have to make sure we have all our ducks in a row whether he's here or not. We have to make this team better."