"When it comes to the quarterback position, I believe that Kirk Cousins wants to be in San Francisco," Silver said. "I believe Kyle Shanahan, who has been very high on Kirk Cousins since he was the offensive coordinator in Washington when they drafted Cousins, I believe that marriage wants to happen on both ends. It's an expensive marriage and we'll see in terms of trade compensation, what it would take to get him. Maybe something that happens in a year but if I had to make a guess one way or the other at this early stage, I would say that it's more likely than not that Kirk Cousins ends up being the 49ers' quarterback."
►
Mike Silver on 49ers' offseason: I believe Kirk Cousins wants to be in San Francisco
Last year, Washington used the non-exclusive franchise tag. This year's use of the exclusive franchise tag means the 49ers are not allowed to open discussions with Cousins himself. All negotiations must go through Washington, which appears to be far apart with their quarterback on reaching a long-term deal.
Cousins earned nearly $20 million playing under the franchise tag in 2016. This year, he will be guaranteed to earn $23.94 million on his new one-year deal. Despite the amount that they are spending on Cousins by franchising him two years in a row, Washington appears unwilling to make a long-term commitment to the quarterback at a price that he deems reasonable.
Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Washington when Cousins was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2012 NFL Draft. When Shanahan went to Cleveland, he was able to convince the Browns to try to trade for Cousins. Cleveland offered a fourth-round pick for the quarterback and Washington declined.
Cousins had the best season of his career in 2016, completing 67-percent of his passes for 4,917 yards and throwing 25 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers predictions: Analyst projects 2026 wins, stats for Purdy, McCaffrey, and more
ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently released his updated projections for the 2026 NFL season, including several key statistical forecasts for the San Francisco 49ers. Clay projects the NFC West to be one of the league's toughest divisions in 2026. He has the 49ers finishing third... -
49ers vs. Vikings: NFL officially announces 2026 Mexico City matchup
The NFL officially announced that the San Francisco 49ers will host the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 11 matchup at the iconic Estadio Banorte in Mexico City on Sunday, November 22, 2026. The game will serve as NBC's Sunday Night Football matchup, with kickoff scheduled for 5:20... -
Insider makes the case for A.J. Brown-to-49ers trade scenario
The San Francisco 49ers appear set at wide receiver after revamping the position group this offseason. The team moved on from Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne but added veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. San Francisco also continued to strengthen the unit... -
49ers will lead the NFL in unwanted category during 2026 season
The San Francisco 49ers are regularly among the NFL's most-traveled teams each season, and that trend will continue in 2026. According to Bookies.com, via ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers are projected to travel 38,105 miles during the 2026 season. That total easily tops the...