The Washington Redskins’ decision to use the exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins will likely open up the trade market for the quarterback. One team expected to pounce is the San Francisco 49ers.
Kyle Shanahan and Cousins do share a history.
Shanahan was Washington’s offensive coordinator during Cousins’ first two years in the NFL. The 49ers are also one of many teams in need of a quarterback.
If the 49ers do indeed make a good offer, it’s actually hard to see Cousins going anywhere else.
On the surface, he’ll have go wherever he’s traded. But teams are far less likely to make a strong offer to the Redskins if there’s doubt that Cousins will stay there long term.
A rumor broke on Tuesday that Cousins wanted to go to San Francisco if things in Washington couldn’t be worked out. That, along with his history with Shanahan, at least gives San Francisco confidence that Cousins could be a long-term option.