5. Redskins trade Kirk Cousins to 49ers for third-round picks in 2017 and 2018
Despite what the Redskins might want us to believe, it wouldn’t be stunning if the team were to trade Cousins prior to (or during) the draft. He’s set to become a free agent once again in 2018, and it would cost the team nearly $35 million to franchise him. That’s simply not a sustainable situation for Washington.
Cousins himself has reportedly indicated he’s not even willing to talk extension as long as Bruce Allen remains the Skins’ president. Meanwhile, it’s well documented that he wants to play for former Washington offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. And Shanahan himself seems to be all over that idea.
What makes this potential trade scenario stunning is the compensation the 49ers would give back to Washington. Some talk had previously included first-year general manager John Lynch and Co. yielding the second overall pick or swapping first-round picks with Washington. That time surely has passed.
While Cousins did sign his franchise tender, the Redskins really don’t have much leverage in negotiations. San Francisco has signed Brian Hoyer to a two-year contract and is more than content riding out the Cousins’ situation until the team can get him for “free” next March.
If that were to happen, the most Washington would receive following Cousins’ departure would be a third-round compensatory selection in 2019. By offering up a third-round pick this year and a similar pick in 2018, San Francisco would be paying Washington take Cousins off the team’s hands a year early.
After all, numerous reports have suggested that Cousins views himself as the 49ers’ starter in either 2017 or 2018. Heck, Cousins himself has allegedly claimed this to be the case behind the scenes.
If Washington is intent on somehow ruining its long-term viability due to some drawn-out feud with Shanahan, that would be a mistake. Simply put, the time has come for the two sides to potentially part ways. San Francisco could offer up just enough to make this work.