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There have been no real reports of Kirk Cousins wanting to be traded or the Minnesota Vikings wanting to move on from their quarterback. That hasn't stopped a few Cousins-to-49ers rumors from surfacing on social media. ESPN's Adam Schefter says that's all they are, though — rumors. Perhaps it's wishful thinking from a Vikings fanbase that would prefer to find another answer at quarterback.
Schefter was asked about the Cousins speculation this week on the Haberman & Middlekauff podcast.
"Yeah, there's been this Kirk Cousins talk, and I guess something could happen," Schefter told Guy Haberman and John Middlekauff, "but I haven't heard that's the case, so I don't know where that's coming from."
It's no secret that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has been infatuated with Cousins since helping to get him drafted in Washington. He admits that, before the trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, the initial plan in San Francisco was to get to a point where they could acquire Cousins to be the team's quarterback. That was the blueprint.
"But again, what's happened in the last few weeks that all of a sudden Kirk Cousins is a part of this conversation?" asked Schefter.
"Probably the Niners not getting Stafford," Haberman responded. "At least, that's where it creates a Twitter conversation."
Schefter interrupted: "Look, anything's always possible, but Kirk Cousins redid his deal last summer. ... You keep saying it's kind of out there, and I'm saying, where is it out there?"
Middlekauff points out the ridiculousness of the rumors, stating that it's the internet and social media fueling the conversations.
"What does that mean? Who's reporting it that is credible?" Schefter asked. "I have not heard anything about Kirk Cousins being available. ... There are no absolutes in the league, anything is possible, but I have not heard anything about Kirk Cousins being available this offseason. We'll see if anything changes."
There you go, internet. Schefter says there is nothing to see here — for now.
The Cousins rumors never really did make much sense. Regardless of Shanahan's fondness for the quarterback, there has been no indication that the Vikings are considering a change, and they would have to have something better lined up to move on from Cousins. The quarterback had a pretty good season in 2020, passing for 4,265 yards, a career-high 35 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He has missed just one game over the past six years, and that was because the Vikings' playoff position was locked in by Week 17 of the 2019 season, so he did not play.
The Vikings ranked No. 4 in total offense, No. 11 in scoring, and No. 14 in passing yards last season. The team's defense ranked No. 27 in total yards allowed, No. 29 in points allowed, No. 25 in passing yards allowed, and No. 27 in rushing yards allowed. That's what contributed to a seven-win season.
You can listen to the entire interview with Schefter below.
49ers' Nick Bosa "getting back into his groove," says Kyle Shanahan
By David Bonilla
Sep 18
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has had time to review the film from Sunday's 30-23 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. What is his assessment of his now-highly-compensated defensive end, Nick Bosa?
"I think he's getting back into football shape, getting back into his groove," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Monday via a conference call. "I thought he got better and stronger throughout the game, similar to last week in that aspect. I thought he finished the game real strong and took a step forward from Pittsburgh."
Bosa earned Pro Football Focus' highest grade
Deebo Samuel says he's fine after 49ers feared rib injury
By David Bonilla
Sep 21
Brandon Aiyuk was inactive on Thursday night in the San Francisco 49ers' game against the New York Giants. The wide receiver has been dealing with a shoulder injury. Some feared that the Niners' other star wideout might also be ailing.
After a catch in the second half of the game, wide receiver Deebo Samuel was slow to get up and was examined on the sideline in the medical tent. He re-entered the game and even caught a touchdown after the injury.
After the game, Kyle Shanahan indicated that Samuel had sustained a rib injury. The head coach was asked if his receiver would need X-rays to determine the extent of the
49ers Notebook: Deebo is no longer "awful"; Ronnie Bell makes a splash; J.J. Watt praises Niners; Captain Andrew Luck makes Levi's cameo
By Kirk Larrabee
Sep 22
Thursday night was a fun one at Levi's Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 30-12 victory over the visiting New York Giants. It was a night that saw wide receiver Deebo Samuel declare himself as officially out of "awful" mode, running back Christian McCaffrey reach milestones, wide receiver Ronnie Bell create some lasting memories, and -- of all things -- Andrew Luck making a return to an NFL field (in full Civil War costume) to take part in a game of trivia.
Let's recap all that and more in this version of 49ers Notebook.
Not awful anymore
Back in June, Deebo Samuel caught some attention with his honest description of his 2022 performance
Key stats from the 49ers' 30-12 Week 3 win vs. the Giants
By Site Staff
Sep 22
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 3-0 on the season after a 30-12 Week 3 win over the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Below are several statistics and notes from Thursday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
With The Win...
San Francisco has started the regular season 3-0 for the first time since 2019 and the 9th time in franchise history.
The 49ers have won back-to-back regular season games against the New York Giants [W, 36-9 at NYG (9/27/20)].
San Francisco has won their home opener for the second-consecutive season.
The Niners improved to 22-21 against the Giants,
