The San Francisco 49ers are not expected to aggressively pursue Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins next offseason, according to 49ers reporter Matt Barrows of the Athletic. The 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams reportedly have interest in Cousins, 34, but the 49ers' cap structure makes a Cousins-Kyle Shanahan reunion unlikely.
San Francisco is paying big salaries to a lot of different positions right now. They have top-tier offensive talent at running back, wide receiver, offensive tackle, and tight end. Defensively, they have top-tier talent at defensive tackle, edge, linebacker, safety and cornerback. They can retain this talent because they aren't spending big at quarterback, especially with Jimmy Garropolo out of the building.
So, if the Rams offer a significant contract for Cousins, the 49ers probably just won't be able to match it. In a potential “bidding war,” the Rams are more willing, and more able to overpay for a veteran quarterback. Of course, the Rams' play depends on moving Matthew Stafford by next offseason.