The San Francisco 49ers are expected to hire Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as the team’s new head coach. Once that hire is made, don’t be surprised if the 49ers make a play for Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins, according to NFL Network’s Mike Silver.
Kirk Cousins might be on 49ers radar this offseason
If Kyle Shanahan becomes the new head coach, San Francisco could make a play for Cousins.
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Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
Cousins played this season for Washington under the franchise tag after finishing 2015 with 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. This season, Cousins threw for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Quarterback play was a problem for the 49ers this season. Blaine Gabbert started the first six games of the season, finishing with 925 yards, five touchdowns. and six interceptions. Colin Kaepernick took over, and he threw for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four picks.
The Niners’ offense, helmed by then-head coach Chip Kelly, averaged just 181.9 passing yards per game in 2016. They were the worst passing offense in the NFL this season. Kelly was fired after the conclusion of the season, along with general manager Trent Baalke.
Cousins could help turn the 49ers offense around, especially under a coach like Shanahan. If Washington wants to hold on to Cousins, it does have one option to do so.
An exclusive tag would allow Washington to keep the rights to Cousins for one more season, and he would be paid the average of the top five salaries at his position. When you’re talking about quarterback salaries, that’s going to be a healthy chunk of change, which may give Washington pause.
If Washington doesn’t apply the exclusive tag to Cousins, he might be a great fit in San Francisco.
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