Although San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy performed at a high-level last season, could the team sign a new starting quarterback in free agency? The odds that Kirk Cousins signs with the 49ers are moving in a surprising direction.
San Francisco 49ers News Roundup March 1
As the 49ers weigh potential changes at quarterback, they will also have to fill the shoes of free agent pass rusher Chase Young. All of that and more will be discussed in today’s 49ers news roundup!
Kirk Cousins Free Agency Rumors: Betting Odds To Sign With the 49ers Have Gotten Dramatically Shorter
Pro Football Network’s Lorenzo Reyna highlighted the surprising betting odds that free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins could sign with the 49ers. As the anticipation builds surrounding which team Cousins will sign with in free agency, it’s hard to rule out San Francisco completely.
Cousins is familiar with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, as they worked together in Washington when the quarterback was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. While a potential contract would be difficult to figure out, San Francisco general manager John Lynch could get creative by signing Cousins to a complex contract.
49ers Free Agency Predictions: Who Are the Potential Chase Young Replacements?
After making a huge trade for pass rusher Chase Young at last season’s trade deadline, the 49ers could target several different players to fill Young’s role. Luckily for the 49ers, edge rusher is a position of strength in both free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
San Francisco will have no shortage of options to replace Young, assuming that they don’t decide to re-sign him. If the 49ers really want to swing for the fences, they could target an elite pass rusher such as Brian Burns or Josh Allen in free agency.
49ers DC Candidate Trashed the Team’s Super Bowl Performance During Radio Appearance
Despite interviewing with the 49ers for their defensive coordinator opening, Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt had some strong words about San Francisco’s performance in Super Bowl 58. Merritt appeared on “Sports Shop” and didn’t hold back when asked about San Francisco’s offense.
He discussed the struggles of tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk as he came to the defense of former 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. It’s clear that Merritt believes Wilks was the fall guy for a poor performance by San Francisco’s offense.
Joe Broback’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Does Marvin Harrison Jr. Rise, and How Far Does Jayden Daniels Fall?
Pro Football Network’s Joe Broback has the 49ers landing an edge rusher with high upside in his latest mock draft. Following the potential departure of Chase Young in free agency, it is certainly feasible for the 49ers to target a pass rusher in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Given how strong this year’s draft class is at edge rusher, San Francisco should have plenty of options available on their board with the 31st overall pick. Broback has the 49ers landing one of the top performers at the 2024 NFL Combine.
49ers Staying Patient in Search for New Defensive Coordinator
Following their loss in Super Bowl 58, San Francisco fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, but they are in no rush to find his replacement. After dealing with losing several defensive coordinators to head coach openings, Wilks is the first DC that San Francisco has fired during Shanahan’s tenure as head coach.
KEEP READING: DeMeco Ryans Says 49ers Would Have Won Super Bowl 58 If They Had Dre Greenlaw
While the 49ers sort through all of their options at defensive coordinator, they aren’t rushing into any decisions. According to reports, San Francisco has already spoken with former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and Merritt about the opening.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!