The Cleveland Browns face an uncertain future at quarterback, with Deshaun Watson's return date unclear after a re-torn Achilles and veteran fill-in Jameis Winston departed in free agency.
One NFL analyst believes the Browns could find the answer in the trade market, targeting a 13-year veteran who could be in need of a change of scenery.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox broke down the quarterbacks who will likely be available for trade this offseason, noting that the Atlanta Falcons appear "ready to turn the page" to Michael Penix Jr. and would be willing to part with Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback just last year signed a four-year, $180 million contract, but the Falcons have plans for Penix to become their franchise quarterback.
Knox noted that there could still be some lingering injury concerns for Cousins after he suffered a torn Achilles in 2023, but he would still make a good target for the Browns.
"Of course, it's hard to know how healthy Cousins actually was in 2024, and there's the fact that his contract carries a no-trade clause-meaning Cousins would have to sign off on any deal," Knox wrote. "The Browns would make the most sense for him, given his Vikings connection with head coach Kevin Stefanski."
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Knox added that Cousins still has what it takes to be an NFL starter, so he could compete with a young quarterback, should the Browns choose to add one in the NFL draft.
"However, if Cousins is truly healthy, ready to buy into a program and able to return to the Pro Bowl form we last saw in 2022, he could be more than just a bridge for any QB-needy team," Knox wrote.
Related: Watson's Latest Achilles Injury Could Save Browns Millions
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 6:57 AM.