Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank recently met with Kirk Cousins, carefully taking notes before sharing them with the team’s football staff.
While reports suggest the veteran quarterback might be available for trade, the question remains about possible landing spots.
The Cleveland Browns emerge as a natural fit given their uncertainty at the position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also could be interested if their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers falls through.
Cousins would bring stability, veteran leadership and proven offensive efficiency to either team.
Cleveland appears to be the most viable, with analyst Peter Schrager suggesting Cousins “makes a lot of sense” for the Browns.
“Look, the Browns thing makes a lot of sense for two big reasons. One, there’s a gaping hole at quarterback. I mean, [Kenny] Pickett could hold the fort, but he’s not your only option. And then, two, [Kevin] Stefanski and Cousins have a really good personal relationship. I don’t know why Kirk Cousins was at a Chipotle in Ohio over the weekend, but he was. That was confusing to me, but that also leads you to think, wait, what’s going on here?” Schrager said on “The Pat McAfee Show,” via ESPN Cleveland.
“Kirk Cousins to the Browns would make a lot of sense,” – @PSchrags via @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/iQC3316JuH
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) April 1, 2025
The situation in Atlanta adds context to these trade possibilities.
The Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, positioning him as their future franchise quarterback.
Despite Cousins’ substantial contract, it seems unlikely he would willingly accept a backup role, especially for a team that missed the playoffs last season.
Cleveland presents a more appealing scenario. Cousins already has established relationships with the Browns’ coaching staff, and fans would welcome him as an upgrade.
Such a move would align with Cleveland’s competitive aspirations, particularly considering Myles Garrett’s vocal championship ambitions.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has said the team has a quarterback strategy in place, and it’s difficult to believe that plan centers around an unproven option like Pickett or a rookie from the 2025 NFL Draft.
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