February 21, 2025
49ers Secure Connections Shanahan

49ers Secure $180 Million QB with Connections to Shanahan. As the 2025 NFL offseason unfolds, speculation continues to grow around the future of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

In March 2024, Cousins inked a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, which included $90 million in fully guaranteed money and a $50 million signing bonus. His salaries for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons are guaranteed, with a $27.5 million base salary for 2025 and a $10 million roster bonus due in 2026.

However, Cousins’ performance in the 2024 season fell short of expectations. After 14 games, he was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., fueling speculation about his future in Atlanta. If the Falcons release him before June 1, they would take a $65 million dead cap hit. A post-June 1 release would spread the impact over two years—$40 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.

With the possibility of Cousins hitting free agency, Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team identified the San Francisco 49ers as a potential landing spot.

49ers Considered a Possible Destination for Cousins as a Backup to Brock Purdy

If Atlanta moves on from Cousins, they would still owe him $27.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2025. This financial commitment could allow another team—such as the 49ers—to sign him at a bargain rate, possibly even at the league minimum.

Mosher pointed out that Cousins would likely attract multiple suitors. He highlighted the Cleveland Browns as another logical destination, given Deshaun Watson’s injury concerns and Cousins’ past connection with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski from their time together in Minnesota.

49ers Secure Connections Shanahan

However, Mosher also noted that Cousins might prefer to reunite with Kyle Shanahan, who has long admired him since their time in Washington. In San Francisco, Cousins would serve as a backup to Brock Purdy, offering a significant upgrade over current depth options like Josh Dobbs while providing veteran leadership and insurance at the position. 49ers Secure Connections Shanahan.

Evaluating Purdy’s Future and the 49ers’ Quarterback Situation

Brock Purdy had a breakout 2023 season, throwing for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a league-best 113.0 passer rating, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. However, his 2024 campaign saw a decline, with his completion rate dropping to 65.0% and his touchdown-to-interception ratio slipping to 17 TDs and 10 INTs.

While the 49ers and Purdy have yet to agree on a long-term contract extension, bringing in Cousins wouldn’t necessarily change their plans. Instead, it could provide stability and competition if Purdy’s development stalls or he struggles with injuries.

Given Shanahan’s history with Cousins and the 49ers’ current roster construction, adding an experienced quarterback could serve as a contingency plan if Purdy’s performance doesn’t rebound or contract talks drag on. Whether San Francisco ultimately pursues Cousins remains to be seen, but he could be a key player to watch in free agency.

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