Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
It continues to get worse and worse for Kirk Cousins. The Atlanta Falcons started off the season strong, but have since lost four of their last five games. While they beat the Las Vegas Raiders, it was too close for comfort, and it became very clear that Cousins isn’t able to perform at a competitive level anymore. This led to Raheem Morris finally making the decision to bench him for Michael Penix Jr.
While Cousins has struggled, he has still put up serviceable numbers with 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns that can be helpful to a team. With the switch, it won’t be surprising to see Cousins ask for a trade so he can go to a team where he can start. That team will be the Cleveland Browns.
For Cleveland it’s clear that this is the last year of Deshaun Watson after his struggles. It’s also clear that since his injury they also don’t have a capable starter that can lead them to wins as they sit at 3-11. Kevin Stefanski needs his offense back performing at a better level, and Cousins will do so.
While Cousins is a bit older, he was a quarterback under Stefanski back in Minnesota. In 2019, Stefanski was the Vikings offensive coordinator and that season Cousins put up 3,603 yards and 26 touchdowns with just six interceptions. Stefanski had Cousins performing at a great level, and if Cousins wants to turn his career around to show this season was a fluke, reuniting with Stefanski seems like the best outcome.
While the Browns need to start looking at getting younger at the quarterback position, this 2025 NFL Draft isn’t necessarily the one to do so unless you can land Shedeur Sanders. With trading for Cousins, they get a good bridge quarterback they can make them contenders, and provide a mentor for a future rookie to learn under.
