Atlanta had everything quarterback Kirk Cousins and his family wanted. His wife, Julie, is from the metro area, and his parents also live there—they’re diehard fans. But the franchise failed to give him the one thing he wanted most: a guaranteed starting role. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris made it clear that they could trade the veteran quarterback at any time.
At 36 years old, Cousins knows starting is the only way to extend his career, and now analysts are speculating about where he could land—some suggestions even revisit familiar ground.
NFL analysts Mike Florio and Charean Williams discussed his potential trade on the April 4 episode of NFL on NBC. Williams raised questions about the Falcons’ QB situation, and that’s when Florio suggested that Kirk Cousins might be on the trade block. He even claimed a reunion with former HC Kevin Stefanski.
The analyst said, “I think one or two spots where he becomes an obvious candidate to be traded. Browns or Steelers are the two that I’m watching the most carefully. I have a feeling it’s going to be the Browns reunion with Kevin Stefanski, not a ridiculously expensive contract, which is important when you’ve got so many cap dollars tied up into Deshaun Watson.” Taking a cue from the past could be a good option.
The Browns HC and Kirk Cousins were on very good terms during their time together in the Vikings. In 2018, Stefanski was the Vikes quarterback coach and progressed to the offensive coordinator in 2019. He became the Browns’ head coach in 2020. But there’s a big headache. The Falcons signed a 4-year $180 million deal with the quarterback till 2027. On the other hand, the Browns are dealing with $92 million left on Deshaun Watson’s contract. Also, there is a no-trade clause on the Falcons’ QB deal.
He is rumored not to touch the deal till the draft. There is only one condition he is concerned about. He wants to be the starter. Raheem Morris has already revealed his intention of trading him if the right opportunity comes. It looks like history is repeating itself.
Kirk Cousins is facing the same dilemma
In 2022, the former Vikings signal caller had a successful season with a 13-4 win-loss record. But an Achilles heel injury in 2023 forced him out of the remaining season. Vikes GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released a statement after finalizing the deal.
It read, “After significant and positive dialogue with Kirk and his representatives, we were unable to reach agreement on a contract that fits the short- and long-term visions for both Kirk and the Minnesota Vikings.” But the deal did not fulfill his dream. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round (8th overall). It was a shocker!
He hadn’t expected this from the franchise. It might have lowered his confidence as he only had 18 touchdowns and the league-high 16 interceptions. All this forced Raheem Morris to bench him and declare Michael Penix as the starter. Now, the same danger is present with the Browns.
Even if they sign him and promise him the world, the real scenario can take a quick 180 in the draft. They chose 2nd in the draft. There is a classic debate about Cam Ward vs Shedeur Sanders. Watson can also return before the season begins. It’s as exciting as it could get.
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