NFL News: Kirk Cousins reportedly set to decide his future between Falcons and Browns

Among the many stories of the offseason, there is one that stands out above the rest. It involves the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who in recent weeks has reportedly been linked to the Cleveland Browns to play the 2025 NFL season, leaving the Atlanta Falcons.

Cousins won’t have a guaranteed starting job because the Falcons are confident in Michael Penix Jr. as their QB1, just as they will be in the 2024 NFL season. In that context, a new destination would not be such a bad decision. The rumors are getting more concrete.

Cleveland is the team most interested in bringing in Cousins to fill the hole at QB position. The Browns unveiled a trade proposal last week, and the veteran quarterback was even spotted in the team’s hometown, further fueling speculation about his future.

Where will Cousins play in the 2025 NFL season?

NFL insider Dianna Russini provided an important information to answer. “So many questions at quarterback, which brings us to Kirk Cousins. Is that a real thing for Atlanta to trade Kirk to Cleveland. From my sense, yes. I don’t know how far along it is right now. I just know there’s enough conversation to be had that this would not be a surprising move. Knowing Kevin Stefanski coached Kirk Cousins when he was in Minnesota. It makes a lot of sense on why that would work,” she said.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during warmups before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Cousins increasingly likely to leave Falcons

The Falcons and Cousins have a no-trade clause, meaning any transaction would likely happen after the draft. On the other hand, salary restructuring is the key factor that will determine whether the NFC South team keeps Cousins or trades him. If they choose not to restructure his deal, all signs would point to Atlanta opening the door for the veteran to play elsewhere.

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NFL News: Falcons reportedly have a condition before deciding on Kirk Cousins amid Browns trade rumors

When did Stefanski coach Cousins on the Vikings?

Kevin Stefanski, the current head coach of the Browns, previously coached Kirk Cousins during his time with the Minnesota Vikings as the team’s quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. This was during the 2018 and 2019 NFL seasons when the current Falcons QB had one of his best campaigns, throwing for 3,603 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2019.