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Reports: San Francisco 49ers To Pursue Kirk Cousins In 2017 Offseason

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins have long had a decision to make about Kirk Cousins. Now, they will face stiff competition from the San Francisco 49ers to land him on a long term deal.

The Washington Redskins have one of the most interesting quarterback conundrums in the NFL. After faring relatively well in two seasons under the leadership of Kirk Cousins, the team has an important decision to make. They have to decide whether or not they want to sign Cousins to a long term, lucrative extension. Until recent weeks, it seemed like the Redskins were by far the best option for Cousins. Now, another place seems to have opened its doors.

Related Story: Kirk Cousins Contract Could Be Comparable To Major Deals

The San Francisco 49ers are in dire need of a quarterback, and they may be willing to give Cousins a long term deal. Kyle Shanahan, the team’s new head coach, has worked with Cousins in the past and, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he could lead the pursuit of Cousins in the offseason.

"Former Washington offensive coordinator and current Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is set to become the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach after Atlanta’s season ends. San Francisco needs a quarterback as much as any other team in the league. If Cousins is available, the 49ers would pursue him as hard as they’ve pursued Shanahan.More from Riggo's RagHighlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL DraftCommanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam HowellBet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus Even if Washington tags Cousins, San Francisco could attempt to pry him loose in a trade with a package that could include this year’s No. 2 overall draft pick. And if Washington doesn’t want to deal now, it could have issues later.Tagging Cousins again in 2018 would cost Washington $34.48 million, an unpalatable number for any team. And even if the Redskins did commit to that, Cousins could walk away from Washington after the 2018 season and sign where he wants, and Washington could do nothing to prevent it.This leaves Washington overly vulnerable and Cousins particularly powerful. He gets to dictate where he will play, and the lure of Shanahan in San Francisco will be strong."

Schefter is absolutely right about the leverage that Cousins has. He can force the hand of the Redskins to either make them pay him more than he is worth, or he could out-price himself badly in hopes of landing with the 49ers. The best option for the team would be to tag and trade Cousins in the event that he is going to leave the Redskins. If they could somehow land the No. 2 overall pick, that would be huge as they could land one of the top defensive end prospects in this class.

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Still, it seems like such a deal would take a lot to get done. It all depends on how negotiations would end up going. Regardless, the team would be in good shape if they can retain Cousins or somehow get their hands on another early pick. At the end of the day, so long as the Redskins do not let Cousins walk and get nothing in exchange, then the team should be in fine shape for their future.

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