According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi, Cousins is expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons in March to avoid a $10 million roster bonus, making him a free agent option for Cleveland.
Cousins has a strong connection to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, dating back to their time together with the Minnesota Vikings, where Cousins enjoyed some of the best statistical years of his career.
Stefanski was Cousins' offensive coordinator in 2019, a season in which the quarterback posted a 69.1% completion rate with 26 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
.@RealTannenbaum thinks Kirk Cousins will join the Browns next season and lead them to win the AFC North 👀 pic.twitter.com/fNFq44eunU
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 1, 2025
The Browns are also keeping their options open, evaluating any "veteran with starter’s talent" as they prepare for uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson's health and performance.
Cousins, despite a difficult 2024 campaign with Atlanta, could provide stability and competition in Cleveland’s quarterback room. “Getting him for the league minimum and channeling some of that pre-injury efficiency... could be a winning strategy for Cleveland,” Fowler and Oyefusi wrote.
Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons before being benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., might welcome a fresh start with Stefanski.
A ton of Kirk Cousins smoke #Browns pic.twitter.com/Dz5Llxyjw4
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) January 2, 2025
While Cousins appears to be a primary target, Cleveland is also weighing other options, including re-signing Jameis Winston or exploring the free-agent market.
However, Cousins' experience and familiarity with Stefanski's system could make him a natural fit to lead the offense.
Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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