The 49ers could still make a play for Kirk Cousins
By Donny Starr
According to reports, the Washington Redskins might be looking for that “RG3 deal” if they decided to part ways with Kirk Cousins.
For those who don’t remember the deal, the Redskins gave up three first-round picks and a second-round selection for the St. Louis Rams’ No. 2 overall selection. If Kirk Cousins goes anywhere, I’m sure someone will have to match a deal of that capacity for the quarterback. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported the Redskins would have to be “blown away” with any deal.
This is where it gets interesting.
The San Francisco 49ers, even after today’s moves by the Redskins, are still out front in any possible trade. The irony is crazy: They have the No.2 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft. To sweeten the deal, new 49ers general manager John Lynch recently said their pick isn’t something he’s stuck to. Here’s what he told the San Francisco Chronicle:
"“We could stay pat right there and find a fabulous player, a game-changing player…It gives us a lot of flexibility to do some other things if we chose to be bold. There are going to be people that covet the pick we have, so there’s going to be some people that want to move up.”"
But what about Colin Kaepernick? It’s been reported by several media outlets he’s going to opt out to free agency. The 49ers ended their season 2-14. With the old regime gone, Kaepernick knows his time is limited, if not over. In fact, he’s already sold his gated San Jose home at 4903 Eastbourne Court for $3.075 million, according to SocketSite.com. Quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder are also heading to free agency. This gives head coach Kyle Shanahan a chance to reinvent the quarterback scenario in San Francisco with no strings attached. He could easily bring in someone with experience at the top and surround him with rookie quarterbacks.
We all know if it were possible, Kirk Cousins would be that guy. The 49ers have a lot to offer to make that happen. In addition to the No.2 overall pick, the 49ers also have the Second round No.34 overall and the Third round No. 66 overall. The Redskins have the 17th pick in the First Round, the 49th overall pick in Second round, and the 81st overall pick in the Third round.
There’s one last act for Kirk Cousins if the Redskins choose to make that happen. No one else comes close to a deal. The Exclusive Franchise Tag simply says, “Don’t talk to him, talk to us.” Don’t assume anything is done. The Redskins have just started talking.