Mike Florio Defends His Theory of Rams, 49ers Competing For Kirk Cousins Next Year

Kirk Cousins will be a free agent next spring, and ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio has an interesting theory about his future. In an appearance on Rich Eisen's show late last week, Florio floated the possibility of the 49ers and Rams ending up in a "tug of war" for Cousins' services.

The idea is that Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay — who both coached Cousins in Washington — could end up looking for a new quarterback after this season. Brock Purdy getting hurt again or regressing from last year's performance could put the 49ers in a tricky spot, unless Trey Lance or Sam Darnold comes out of nowhere and impresses this year. Shanahan's long-held admiration for Cousins isn't a secret. With the Rams, Matthew Stafford's elbow is still a significant unknown heading into the 2023 campaign.

Recently, Florio felt compelled to defend his theory, which made the rounds across the NFL internet.

Shanahan’s interest in Cousins for 2024 will hinge heavily on whether Brock Purdy gets healthy, and whether he stays healthy. If he gets injured again, Shanahan could decide to roll the dice on Cousins next year.

The other wild card is the Rams. Although Matthew Stafford is officially their guy for 2023, there were rumblings that the Rams were hoping for a trade offer, possibly from the Jets if the Aaron Rodgers deal had fallen through. After another year of Stafford holding his aging body together, while also potentially getting injured at some point during the 2023 season, coach Sean McVay — who like Shanahan worked with Cousins in D.C. — could decide to make a play for Cousins. Especially if McVay thinks Shanahan will finally try to get Cousins.

Thus the potential tug of war, with Cousins caught between a couple of former Washington assistants turned NFC West rivals, and once again cashing in.

It's not a ridiculous idea, but it does hinge on a bunch of different factors. Cousins would have to play well this season, but not so well that the Vikings feel compelled to get in on the bidding war themselves and re-sign him. Purdy would have to get hurt or play poorly — without another 49ers QB emerging. And Stafford would have to get hurt or play poorly, too.

Next spring is a long ways away. Let's see what happens this fall.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there.Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there.