The Kirk Cousins saga keeps getting murkier. Even though his massive $180 million contract includes a no-trade clause, the Atlanta Falcons are reportedly feeling pressure to move on from the veteran QB. The team benched him for three games in favor of rookie Michael Penix after a disappointing 2024 season. His poor stats in key moments fueled trade rumors. And now, those rumors might actually come true. So, who’s the top contender in the trade talks? Let’s dive in.
“We took a big swing and missed with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback — we didn’t — and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him,” said Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam in an interview with Cleveland.com. That bold statement, indeed, sparked a wave of rumors and a fair amount of sympathy. One of the hottest? Kirk Cousins potentially landing in Cleveland. Yep, you heard that right — the Browns are being talked about as the front-runner to land Cousins. But why?
#Falcons Kirk Cousins says #Browns Jerry Jeudy is a top WR in the #NFL
Cousins is still a top target for the Cleveland Browns pic.twitter.com/pJOlKedmRT
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 11, 2025
If you recall, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski worked closely with Kirk Cousins when he served as the quarterback coach in Minnesota from 2017 to 2018. Now, with the Browns reportedly searching for a veteran QB to replace Deshaun Watson, Cousins has emerged as one of the top options. One big advantage? His consistency over the years.
Last season, the 36-year-old quarterback threw 18 touchdowns — ranking 20th in the league — while passing for 3,508 yards with a 66.9% completion rate. Over the course of his career, Cousins has played in 164 NFL games and passed for 42,979 yards. If the Browns can land him on a short-term deal — perhaps a one-year contract — given his age and experience, it could be a perfect fit.
But as the Browns are in full swing to replace injured Deshaun Watson, the Browns QB has himself sent a message to the football world. What if we tell you he is trying to return this year itself? Let’s check out his message.
Deshaun Watson is standing strong amid Kirk Cousins’s possibility
Deshaun Watson is well aware of the chatter. Since his doctor announced he might miss the 2025 season — a report backed by Tom Pelissero — he’s seen the criticism and talk about his replacement. The underestimation is fueling him.
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 03: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. 18 after the Sunday afternoon NFL, American Football Herren, USA. The game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Dallas Cowboys is on November 3, 2024. At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 03 Cowboys at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9532411032354
When he was taped at the Browns’ practice facility on April 7, Watson expressed his feelings on getting back up. He said, “Everyone’s doubting me. Everyone doesn’t believe in me… Everyone doesn’t think that I can get back to where I was.” And also added, “But I know and I believe the work that I put in, what I believe in myself. With the peace that I’ve been channeling these last couple of months, I know I’m going to be way better than before.” Amen to that.
In the video, Deshaun practiced in the gym with his right leg still in a walking boot. After the video surfaced, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed it, saying Deshaun has been at the practice facility every single day, working hard. Surprisingly, earlier this offseason, Watson had stated he was hoping to return by Week 1.
He’s pushing through his Achilles tendon re-injury — not just to prove the world wrong, but to prove something to himself. If he makes it back to the field within the next three months, we could see a very different version of Deshaun this season. Moreover, if that happens, it could extend Kirk Cousins’s potential future with the Browns.
The post NFL Rumors: $5.1B Franchise to Sign Kirk Cousins as Deshaun Watson Eyes Return After Bold Claim appeared first on EssentiallySports.
