The Cleveland Browns have made waves by signing Joe Flacco, and it’s not just about rekindling old friendships. This move sends shockwaves through the quarterback landscape as we look toward the 2025 NFL Draft.
With Flacco in the mix, the Browns are cranking up the heat on trade acquisition Kenny Pickett, prepping for a heated summer showdown. This decision also crowds their quarterback room, potentially setting the stage for an early-round draft pick at the position.
One of the biggest takeaways? Kirk Cousins, long rumored to be a target for coach Kevin Stefanski, seems off the table, or maybe he never was a serious contender.
Despite their shared history with the Minnesota Vikings, it appears the Browns are content without making a play for Cousins, given Flacco and Pickett’s presence.
Where does that leave Cousins? Currently with the Atlanta Falcons, he’s reportedly been eyeing a change of scenery since the start of the 2025 offseason.
The sticking point? His hefty contract, which apparently scared off Cleveland and has been a bargaining chip the Falcons are holding onto, hoping to stir up trade interest.
So, what’s next for Cousins? It’s a bit of a stalemate unless he negotiates his release or the Falcons find a team hungry enough for his skills as the season rolls on.
If Cousins is seeking plausible destinations, a few scenarios unfold.
First, there’s a possible homecoming with the Minnesota Vikings. It’s a narrative dream — Cousins back in purple, a familiar face in familiar territory.
His return wouldn’t overshadow J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ rising star, but instead offer coach Kevin O’Connell a seasoned fallback option.
Yet, Cousins is reportedly after a starting role, and in Minnesota, that’s only a reality if McCarthy falters. Still, if Cousins is choosing between warming the bench in Atlanta or revisiting a community where he’s spent six years, Minnesota might offer more than just on-field opportunity.
Next up, the New Orleans Saints appear as a dark horse. Would the Falcons trade Cousins within the division?
It seems improbable, but then again, Atlanta’s lukewarm valuation of him could lead them to capitalize on a return from an NFC South rival. Should Cousins become a free agent, he’d fit nicely into the Saints’ puzzle.
New coach Kellen Moore is in a bind with Derek Carr out of sorts, and Cousins is a steady presence who could bridge the gap until the Saints solidify their future plans. Plus, the added intrigue of facing the Falcons might be a perk Cousins can’t resist.
Lastly, Pittsburgh could throw their hat in the ring. Fresh off the possibility of Aaron Rodgers joining the Steel City — a move that Art Rooney II is enthusiastic about — the narrative could shift if Rodgers doesn’t join the fold.
In that case, with a dearth of reliable draft options, Mike Tomlin may look favorably on securing a veteran like Cousins. Last year might not have seen him in Pittsburgh’s sights due to other financial priorities, but as the Steelers’ urgency grows, Cousins’ availability as a cost-effective stopgap becomes a tantalizing prospect.
