Kirk Cousins’ Next Team Comes into Focus
Kirk Cousins will likely be traded or released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, an outcome that should be determined within the next 2-3 weeks.
Kirk Cousins’ Next Team Comes into Focus
After spending $180 million over four years for a new contract on Cousins last offseason, the Falcons will embark on the Michael Penix Jr. era in 2025. Atlanta gave Cousins the meaty contract 11.5 months ago and drafted Penix Jr. from Washington six weeks later, one of the most shocking moments in draft history.
And according to SportsKeeda‘s Tony Pauline, Cousins’ next employer could be somewhat familiar to him — Kevin Stefanski’s Cleveland Browns. Cousins and Stefanski worked together in Minnesota for two seasons, 2018 and 2019.
“Several people in the league tell me that if the Browns cannot come away with Ward in the draft, their starting quarterback this upcoming season is likely to be Kirk Cousins, who will be reunited with Kevin Stefanski. The two spent several years together in Minnesota when Cousins was the starting quarterback, and Stefanski had roles ranging from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator before he took the head coaching job in Cleveland,” Pauline explained Monday, with NFL free agency two weeks away.
The Browns are mired in quarterback hell because of their decision to trade for Deshaun Watson three years ago. Since, Watson has provided poor performance, a shady reputation, and a litany of injuries. And his contract’s big money hasn’t even kicked it. Cleveland will need a rookie quarterback or an affordable option like Cousins to remove the stink of the Watson era.
Pauline added, “Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. The franchise later shocked the football world by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.”
“Penix sat behind Cousins most of the season before starting the final three games and playing extremely well. Cousins, who is due a $10 million roster bonus the middle of March, is expected to be cut by Atlanta.”
Moreover, the Browns probably won’t end up with Miami’s Cam Ward. Unless the Tennessee Titans, the team possessing the draft’s first overall pick, overthink the decision, Ward will become a Titan, and that’ll be that.
Cousins would also have a chance to rekindle the late stages of his career in Cleveland. His Falcons collapsed after starting 6-3 in 2024, and at the moment, most have decided that Cousins might fill a QB2 role for his career’s remainder.
Pairing with Stefanski, as Pauline mentioned, could give Cousins a chance at one last gasp of QB1 relevance.
Cousins will turn 37 this August.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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