Mike Florio predicts 49ers-Rams ‘tug-of-war’ for Kirk Cousins in 2024
Jun 27, 2023, 11:01 AM
Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of moving parts at the quarterback position ahead of the 2023 season. But that might not stop them from pivoting in a new direction in 2024.
ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio went on The Rich Eisen Show last week to discuss the state of the NFL. During the interview, Florio speculated that the 49ers and divisional rival Los Angeles Rams would be interested in current Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins after this season. With both teams in need of stability at the position, the football writer thinks a battle could ensue for Cousins’ signature in 2024.
“I think you’re going to see, unless the Vikings re-sign him by then, and they can’t use the franchise tag on him the way his contract is structured. You’re going to see a potential tug-of-war between [49ers coach] Kyle Shanahan and [Rams coach] Sean McVay for Kirk Cousins next March. Mark that down,” Florio said on air last Wednesday.
I mentioned last week with @richeisen the possibility of the 49ers and Rams both trying to sign Kirk Cousins in March. It's really not a controversial idea, and it definitely could happen. https://t.co/uMnmoiyP1C
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 27, 2023
Knowing those comments would be spread across social media platforms, the writer took it a step further by wiring an article explaining his reasoning. Florio broke down why both teams would be interested in Cousins, especially San Francisco.
Citing lingering QB concerns over the years, Cousins’ ability to stay healthy may be what brings Shanahan back to the negotiating table in 2024. But that all depends on how Brock Purdy responds in 2023.
“Shanahan’s interest in Cousins for 2024 will hinge heavily on whether Brock Purdy gets healthy, and whether he stays healthy. If he gets injured again, Shanahan could decide to roll the dice on Cousins next year,” Florio wrote Monday.
Turning 35 in August, Kirk Cousins has one year remaining on his deal with Minnesota. After that, he will enter the market as an unrestricted free agent, unless both sides agree to a new deal this year.
Cousins has been incredibly durable since joining the Vikings in 2018, only missing two games in five seasons. He holds a 46-33-1 record with the team, throwing for 20,934 passing yards, 153 total touchdowns and 50 interceptions. The Michigan State alum is a four-time pro bowler, selected the last two consecutive seasons.
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