With free agency now officially underway with the start of the new league year, offseason has reached a crucial point for the San Francisco 49ers. Since teams have been actively talking to prospective free agents during the NFL's two-day free agency negotiating window, many deals have already been made and rumors of potential deals are flying across the league. Here are the latest 49ers news & rumors you need to know:
Cousins wants trade to the 49ers
Washington's front office upheaval that has resulted in the ousting of general manager Scot McCloughan may have actual on-field effects. According to multiple reports, quarterback Kirk Cousins wants to be traded because of the discord in the front office, with the 49ers being his preferred destination.
"Cousins has made it clear he does not want to be there. He wants to get to San Francisco and play for Kyle Shanahan." @wyche89 on Cousins
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) March 8, 2017
No matter what anyone thinks of Cousins' ability, he is a person of principle. Unless he changes, not enough money in world to want this.
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) March 9, 2017
The 49ers and Redskins have reportedly already had talks about a possible Cousins trade, but several things - including Redskins owner Dan Snyder's distain for new 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who he fired in 2013 - have kept it from happening.
Kirk Cousins appealed personally to owner Dan Snyder for a trade but was basically told not to get his hopes up, per sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 9, 2017
Cousins has spent the last two season as Washington's starter, and set new franchise records for passing yards each year. In 2016, Cousins passed for 4,917 yards with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
49ers interested in Trevor Siemian
If they are unable to make that trade for Cousins - and if Tony Romo goes to Denver - they will try to acquire Trevor Siemian from the Broncos, according to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver.
If the Broncos were to acquire Romo, Elway figures to almost instantly receive trade requests for Siemian, starting with the San Francisco 49ers. New 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan communicated during his head coach interview with the Broncos he was impressed with Siemian, who is scheduled to make a ridiculously affordable $615,000 this season and $705,000 in 2018 as part of his rookie contract.
Siemian started 14 games last season and threw for 3,401 yards and 18 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
San Francisco interested in Dontari Poe
The 49ers are also looking to upgrade their defensive line, which has them targeting versatile defensive tackle Dontari Poe, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Several teams pushing for DT Dontari Poe - Colts, Falcons, 49ers among them. Quite possible he opts for 1 year deal; hit market again in '18
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
The 6-foot-3, 346-pounder had a career-low 27 tackles with 1.5 sacks last season.
Follow our San Francisco 49ers news page for all the latest 49ers news!
Back to the San Francisco 49ers Newsfeed