The Cleveland Browns may be looking to make a move on the trade market to address their quarterback situation. Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Browns are dealing with a complicated quarterback dilemma after a controversial 2024 season, which saw Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and even Bailey Zappe all involved at different points. As the offseason approaches, there will be a lot of speculation about the Browns’ next steps at the position.
With a second-overall pick in the upcoming draft and the potential to pursue a veteran quarterback either through trade or free agency, the Browns have several options to consider for their offense’s future. Many experts are predicting how Cleveland will approach their quarterback situation, and one of the latest projections comes from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. He suggests the Browns could be a key trade contender for veteran Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons.
Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, could still be a valuable starting quarterback for a team in need, though the Falcons are no longer in that category as they plan to move forward with Michael Penix Jr. However, a potential trade could prove complicated for Atlanta. To trade Cousins, the Falcons would have to absorb $37.5 million in dead money and possibly cover a significant portion of his $27.6 million base salary for next season. Additionally, because Cousins has a full no-trade clause, the Falcons would need to send him to a destination he approves.
If these conditions are met, the Browns might be an ideal fit for the 36-year-old quarterback. Cleveland is in need of a signal caller, and head coach Kevin Stefanski previously worked with Cousins for two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Instead of diving into this year’s unpredictable quarterback draft class, the Browns could pursue a more experienced option like Cousins, who already has familiarity with Stefanski’s system.
Cousins’ 2024 season with the Falcons was a mixed bag. After recovering from an Achilles injury, he played in 14 games, posting 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and a league-high 16 interceptions. While it wasn’t a standout year, another offseason of recovery and the chance to work in a new offensive system could help Cousins perform better next season.
The big question for the Browns will be the financial aspect. With significant money already tied up in the injured Watson, the Browns might prefer a more affordable quarterback option. However, if the Falcons are willing to cover part of Cousins’ salary, it could make a trade more financially feasible for Cleveland.
While several factors need to align for a deal to happen, the idea of Cousins landing with the Browns is a possibility worth considering as the team looks to solve its quarterback issues.
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