The suggestion for the San Francisco 49ers is to trade for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
I'll pause for the collective groan from readers.
This isn't really about the trade itself, though, but the reason behind the suggestion and why Cousins' name keeps coming up for the 49ers when the Vikings — nor Cousins — have given any indication that they desire a trade. In fact, they have indicated the opposite.
"Kirk's our guy," Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer recently said. "You know, he had a terrific year this year. We were fourth in the league on offense. We have to get better on defense – we had a lot of injuries and young guys — that's my job to get it fixed."
Of course, you have repeatedly heard about head coach Kyle Shanahan's fondness for Cousins. Upon being hired by the 49ers, his initial rebuild plan revolved around one day acquiring Cousins. Shanahan even drafted C.J. Beathard because he reminds the coach of Cousins. So, there's that.
Football Outsiders' real focus is comparing Cousins' availability to Garoppolo's while stating that both quarterbacks are very similar in ability. Cousins has just been able to stay on the field more frequently.
Garoppolo's QBR in six starts last season was 61.5, and it was 60.8 during the 49ers' Super Bowl season in 2019. Cousins' QBR in the last three seasons was 59.5, 60.4, and 63.2. That is the basis for Football Outsiders' argument that the two quarterbacks are similar when they are on the field.
"The biggest difference is that Garoppolo has missed 23 starts over the past three years, with the 49ers going 6-17 in his absence, while Cousins has missed only one start since 2015," wrote Football Outsiders.
Garoppolo is younger than Cousins by three years — 29 compared to 32. He certainly wins more football games when healthy. Garoppolo is 24-9 (including playoffs) as a starter with the 49ers, while Cousins is 26-22-1 (including playoffs) in three seasons with the Vikings.
"They're not identical players -- Garoppolo hits more explosive plays but also gives up more sacks and interceptions -- but Cousins has basically been a healthier version of Garoppolo," continues Football Outsiders. "And that health could mean the difference between San Francisco challenging for Super Bowls or missing the playoffs entirely."
What would be in it for Minnesota? Football Outsiders argues that it might be time for the Vikings to shake things up a bit by either going with Garoppolo or a younger quarterback.
"Cousins also has two years left on his deal, and his cap hit skyrockets to $45 million in 2022; there won't be much of a market for him at that point," adds Football Outsiders. "If they're ever going to trade Cousins, it's now or never."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers conduct pre-draft meeting with Pitt WR Konata Mumpfield
The San Francisco 49ers are entering the final stretch of preparations for the 2025 NFL Draft and are continuing to wrap up their pre-draft evaluations. As part of the process, the team is meeting with various draft prospects, with many of those interviews taking place... -
49ers hold pre-draft visit, workout with Pitt OL Branson Taylor
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler reports that the San Francisco 49ers recently visited with Pitt offensive lineman Branson Taylor and held a private workout with the draft prospect. The 49ers recently visited with Pitt OL Branson Taylor (6'6", 321, 33 1/4 arm) and also held a... -
Florio: Brock Purdy may never become a top QB, so why should the 49ers pay him like one?
Mike Florio's hot takes frequently spark debate among NFL fans, and his latest comments about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will probably be no exception. As the 49ers enter contract extension talks with Purdy—talks expected to make him one of the NFL's... -
49ers surpass Ravens for rushing records after NFL incorporates AAFC stats
The 2019 Baltimore Ravens rushed for an impressive 3,296 yards during the regular season, setting what was then the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single season—until now. This week, the NFL announced it would begin incorporating statistics from the All-America...