The Atlanta Falcons are still hoping to trade Kirk Cousins at some point this offseason, and there is one particular AFC team that has repeatedly been mentioned as a potential suitor for the veteran quarterback.
Cousins has been linked to the Cleveland Browns for several months now. There was talk that Cleveland could bring Cousins in to compete with Deshaun Watson before Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles. With Watson now unlikely to play at all in 2025, Cousins to the Browns might make even more sense.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic discussed the possibility of Cousins landing in Cleveland during the latest episode of her “Scoop City” podcast, which was released on Monday. The reporter believes there is a decent chance of it happening.
Kirk Cousins in a hat
Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) walks off the field after a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
“Is that a real thing for Atlanta to trade Kirk to Cleveland? From my sense, yes,” Russini said. “I don’t know how far along it is right now. I just know there’s enough smoke around this and enough conversations being had that this would not be a surprising move. Knowing Kevin Stefanski, coached Kirk Cousins when he was in Minnesota, it makes a lot of sense on why that would work.”
Based on the conversations I've been hearing, it would not be surprising to see Kirk Cousins end up in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/bqZ1PZi4AJ
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 1, 2025
The Falcons are committed to Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback. They are also determined to get something in return for Cousins, which is why they chose to pay the 36-year-old a hefty roster bonus last month rather than releasing him.
Cousins is entering the second year of a 4-year, $180 million contract he signed with Atlanta a year ago. There is almost no chance the Browns or any other team will want to absorb the remainder of the deal. That is one reason Cleveland will likely be very patient even if they do have interest in Cousins.
The Browns have the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. They could take a quarterback at that spot, but that does not mean they would want the rookie to start right away. If the acquisition cost is right, Cousins could serve as a solid bridge option in Cleveland.
While Cousins likely wants to land with a team that will give him the clearest path to a starting job, there might be a more appealing option for him depending on how the coming weeks shake out.