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The San Francisco 49ers and their quarterback situation has been something to monitor ever since head coach Kyle Shanahan took over in 2017, with the team going from Jimmy Garoppolo to Trey Lance to Brock Purdy, with several other names in the mix over the years.
One of those names? Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has a connection with Shanahan dating back to their Washington days, with rumors circulating that the two would reunite upon the head coach's arrival in San Francisco when the signal-caller became a free agent in 2018.
However, the 49ers never reached that stage, instead pulling the trigger on a trade for Garoppolo from the New England Patriots at the 2017 trade deadline for a second-round pick.
More details are starting to emerge, however, as former Washington head coach Jay Gruden set the record straight on what a potential package for Cousins would've been, had a deal come in place.
"I won't say who contacted me, but I was contacted by someone [in San Francisco] who told me they were very interested," Gruden said on a radio show Thursday. "[Kirk Cousins] was getting ready to go on his second franchise tag, and I know they wanted him. The Shanahans love Kirk and he loves them, and I don't blame them; they brought him in here and taught him some good ball, and we were fortunate to keep Kirk and work with him."
Washington eventually let Cousins walk for nothing in free agency in 2018, when he joined the Minnesota Vikings, which has been his team ever since.
But, they could've potentially gotten a significant haul for Cousins, according to Gruden, who revealed the package would've involved way more than just the No. 2 pick.
"They would've given up way more than [just the No. 2 pick]," Gruden said. "You're talking about a $150 million quarterback. You're going to get two [first-round picks] and a player, or two ones and a [second-round pick]. You look at all the teams that are struggling, what don't they have? He had opportunities to go to San Francisco, the Jets, Minnesota. We could've traded him and made our team better. Instead, we got a compensatory third-round pick. It makes no sense."
So, why didn't a deal come into place with the 49ers?
Gruden believes that it was due to the disdain that owner Daniel Snyder and president Bruce Allen had towards the Shanahans, which led to the team keeping the quarterback, allowing him to walk in free agency, which only gave Washington a compensatory third-rounder in return.
"[Snyder and Allen] didn't like the Shanahans and didn't want them to get Kirk. It's a shame. We had such a hot commodity, a young talented player with a bright future ahead of him, and we got nothing for him. That's the worst decision we made as a franchise. A conditional third-rounder? The way to handle that is to maximize your return."
That would've certainly been a major swing for the 49ers, and would've ultimately changed the direction of the entire franchise, had the monumental move occurred.
Ambry Thomas showing 49ers there's "not that many out there better than me"
By David Bonilla
Dec 3
The San Francisco 49ers' defense delivered an impressive performance in Sunday's 42-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite reportedly exploring options for another starting-caliber cornerback before the October trade deadline, the team ultimately stuck with Charvarius Ward and Ambry Thomas on the outside.
Thomas playing outside has allowed Deommodore Lenoir to move to the slot corner spot. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks seems to have found a recipe for success.
Thomas has been impressive in recent weeks, earning his highest-ever overall Pro Football Focus grade (90.2) on Thanksgiving night against the Seattle Seahawks. We'll have to wait until Monday morning to learn how his performance against the Eagles compares, but it's evident that Thomas is
49ers vs. Eagles Injury Report: Arik Armstead doesn't practice
By David Bonilla
Nov 29
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead is dealing with a foot injury and did not practice. When asked if it was a similar issue to what he dealt with last season (plantar fasciitis), head coach Kyle Shanahan responded, "Not sure exactly. I know it's his foot, but not sure how similar it is."
Also missing from practice were running back Jordan Mason, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, who is recovering from a rib injury.
Guard Spencer Burford returned to practice on Monday after being among the 49ers' inactive players against the Seattle Seahawks last week. He
49ers vs. Eagles Injury Report: Arik Armstead doesn't practice but insists he'll play
By David Bonilla
Nov 30
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Arik Armstead has been absent from practice throughout the week, sitting out Monday's bonus session and remaining out on Wednesday and Thursday due to a foot injury. Despite this, the determined defensive tackle insists that he will take the field on Sunday.
When asked if he plans to suit up against the Eagles, Armstead affirmed, "I'll be out there."
Meanwhile, running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud continue to be sidelined, with neither spotted on the practice field for the second consecutive day. Mason is grappling with a hamstring injury, while McCloud is out due to
49ers vs. Eagles Injury Report: Arik Armstead among questionable players for Sunday
By David Bonilla
Dec 1
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Arik Armstead returned to practice after sitting out this week's earlier sessions with a foot injury. While he is listed as "questionable," the defensive tackle insists he will be suited up on Sunday in Philadelphia.
"I'll be out there," Armstead responded this week when asked about his game status.
Running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud also practiced for the first time this week. Mason has been dealing with a hamstring injury, while McCloud has been sidelined with a rib injury. Both are listed as "questionable" for this weekend.
Below are the official
