With Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch saying they are exploring all avenues when it comes to addressing the quarterback position, it makes sense that the team has already been linked to a number of big names via both free agency and trade.
One of those names has been Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has been franchise tagged by the team, but is reportedly far apart on a long-term deal. The 49ers interest in trading for Cousins has led to another big name being thrown in the mix. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, discussions have taken place regarding a three team deal, that would send Cousins to San Francisco, Tony Romo to the Redskins, with the Cowboys getting draft picks.
Play a potential and unprecedented three-way deal forward… #49ers inquire about Cousins. #Redskins talk about Tony Romo. #Cowboys get picks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2017
The nature of these discussions is unclear, and it is surprising that Dallas would be willing to trade Romo to a division rival.
Rapoport’s tweet marked the second time that Romo and the 49ers had been linked on Friday, with Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reporting that the 49ers are “doing work” on Romo. La Canfora believes that the 49ers are one of a handful of teams Romo could “legitimately land” with in 2017.
Jones has yet to have a parting meeting with his longtime starter, but the market for the veteran quarterback likely will consist of a handful of teams. As I reported before the Super Bowl, the teams Romo covets most are the Texans, Chiefs and Broncos. And I have been thoroughly convinced by Chiefs general manager John Dorsey that Alex Smith will be his starter in 2017, so K.C. is off the list.
The other teams that I have heard are doing work on Romo, and where he could legitimately land, are the Rams and the 49ers. I’m not sure any other suitors make sense.
On Thursday, Vic Carruci of the Buffalo News reported that the 49ers are also one of three teams interested in Bills quarterack Tyrod Taylor, who’s option may not be picked up for next season.