Insider: 49ers To seal Deal with 4-Time Pro Bowl QB!

Since the San Francisco 49ers made an attempt to lure Tom Brady out of retirement last year, why not explore the possibility of signing Kirk Cousins this year?

This proposition was brought up by the hosts of the “The Mackey & Judd” podcast on February 22, suggesting that the four-time Pro Bowler and star quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings could be signed to a team-friendly deal. While rumors of Cousins reuniting with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan have circulated several times this offseason, the main hurdle remains the 49ers’ salary cap, which currently exceeds $7.41 million.

“If we’re talking about $30 [million] or $40 million a year, you could easily structure it with a significant signing bonus to keep the cap hit low for 2024 and assist the 49ers,” mentioned podcast host Phil Mackey.

Shanahan and Cousins previously worked together during their time with the Washington Redskins in 2012 and 2013. Shanahan attempted to trade for Cousins in 2017, as reported by The Athletic’s Alec Lewis.

“If the Niners reach out, it’s a done deal,” stated KTSP’s Darren Wolfson on “The Mackey & Judd” podcast. “But the elephant in the room is their cap situation. How exactly are they creating the necessary cap space? I don’t think Kirk would demand a hefty salary to play for Kyle Shanahan.”

“We’ve known for years from Kyle’s public comments what he thinks of Kirk,” Wolfson continued. “Kyle holds Kirk in high regard. However, the cap situation remains a concern. And are we certain Kirk is an upgrade over [Brock] Purdy?”

Podcast host Judd Zulgad agreed with Wolfson that the possibility of Cousins joining the 49ers in 2024 should not be dismissed entirely. Zulgad highlighted that this could be Cousins’ best opportunity to reach the Super Bowl with the 49ers.

Mackey likened the potential scenario to that of the Los Angeles Rams, who went all-in with quarterback Matthew Stafford to pursue a Super Bowl victory, similar to what the 49ers could do with Cousins. The 49ers narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl win with Purdy as quarterback in a 25-22 loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

“For Kirk, this could be it, the perfect situation,” Wolfson commented. “I could definitely see it happening. It would be a one-year arrangement.”

Mackey and Zulgad also discussed the possibility of the 49ers trading Purdy if Cousins signs for two seasons, speculating that the team could fetch a first-round draft pick for Purdy. However, they noted that even if Purdy remains, having a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback as a backup would be a unique situation for the 49ers.