When Kirk Cousins signed a 4-year/$180 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons, he did not envision being benched for rookie Michael Penix during his first year. Yet, that is exactly what happened. The Atlanta Falcons will likely cut Cousins before the fifth day of the 2025 season because Cousins is due a 10 million dollar bonus for the 2026 season. However, if they cut him before the fifth day of the 2025 league year, they will avoid this. If he ends up getting cut, which teams might be potential suitors for Cousins?
Kirk Cousins Says He Has Good Football Left In Him
Kirk Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons is murky after a disappointing 2024 season that saw him benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Despite injuries and setbacks, Cousins remains confident in his abilities, stating that he still has a lot of good football left in him. Several teams could benefit from adding the veteran quarterback.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are an interesting potential landing spot for Cousins. They have some talent on the roster but uncertainty at the quarterback position. Deshaun Watson has now torn his Achilles twice and will miss next season. In 2024, the Browns saw multiple quarterbacks take the field due to Watson’s injuries. Jameis Winston saw some success but he was also a turnover machine. The team’s strong defense and playmakers like Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku were often left without consistent quarterback play. Kirk Cousins would provide at least some stability in Cleveland. Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland’s head coach, has prior experience working with Cousins from their time together in Minnesota. This could make the transition much more seamless.
The main challenge for the Browns is the contract situation for both Watson and Cousins. However, the Browns can explore creative ways to bring in Cousins, either through a trade or by restructuring other contracts. It is worth noting the Browns have the second pick in the NFL Draft. If they don’t decide to take a quarterback, Cousins might be the main target for Cleveland.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have been in quarterback limbo since moving on from Derek Carr. Neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O’Connell has solidified themselves as the long-term answer. If Las Vegas wants to become a serious contender in the competitive AFC West, bringing in a veteran like Kirk Cousins could be a smart move.
The Raiders also play in one of the toughest divisions in football. The team has to face Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a year. To keep pace, they need more stability at quarterback. Cousins may not be the flashiest option, but he is a proven leader who could help bring consistency to a franchise that has lacked it for years. With the Raiders have the sixth pick, they could opt to address the quarterback position through free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are a team that has lacked quarterback consistency since Ben Roethlisberger. This year, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields showed they likely aren’t the answer. Pittsburgh is in desperate need of a change at quarterback. Someone who can manage the game and make throws when needed, something Cousins has shown he can still do when healthy.
The Steelers need more playmakers outside of George Pickens. However, they still need a quarterback who can get the ball in the hands of receivers. Additionally, head coach Mike Tomlin has consistently shown that he can build winning teams that can compete for the playoffs.
What lies ahead
Kirk Cousins had a rollercoaster 2024 season, but he believes he can bounce back. With the Falcons very likely committing to Michael Penix Jr., teams like the Browns, Raiders, and Steelers all offer intriguing fits. His veteran leadership could have a great impact in some locker rooms. While his contract situation complicates potential moves, it’s clear that Cousins feels he still has value as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Main Image: Dale Zanine – USA Today Sports
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