Browns Linked to 4-Time Pro Bowl QB After Steelers Land Aaron Rodgers
The AFC North quarterback landscape just got a serious shake-up. With the Pittsburgh Steelers securing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in a surprise one-year deal, attention has now turned to Cleveland, where the Browns are reportedly exploring a potential move for another four-time Pro Bowl quarterback—Kirk Cousins. The move could provide the Browns with much-needed veteran stability in a QB room filled with uncertainty and question marks heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Cousins, currently under contract with the Atlanta Falcons, is emerging as a possible trade candidate, especially given Atlanta’s recent investments in younger quarterbacks. While Cousins is recovering from an Achilles injury, his past performance and experience—especially in high-volume passing situations—make him a reliable bridge quarterback option. He is familiar with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski from their time together in Minnesota, where Stefanski served as his quarterbacks coach and later offensive coordinator. That connection gives Cleveland an edge in assessing Cousins’ potential fit within their offensive scheme.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has been in flux for several seasons. Deshaun Watson is still recovering from a significant Achilles injury and is not expected to return at full capacity for much of the 2025 campaign. Joe Flacco remains on the roster as a short-term veteran presence, while former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett is still seen as a developmental option rather than a franchise cornerstone. The team also added rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in the draft, hoping one of them emerges as a future leader—but neither is ready to take the reins just yet.
Enter Kirk Cousins. At 36 years old, Cousins is still considered one of the more consistent and accurate passers in the NFL. Over the last five seasons, he has thrown for over 20,000 yards and 150 touchdowns, boasting a reputation as a disciplined leader and sharp decision-maker. Although he’s not known for his mobility, his ability to operate efficiently in play-action-heavy systems aligns perfectly with Stefanski’s preferred offensive style.
From a financial standpoint, Cousins’ contract may seem steep, but the Browns could negotiate a favorable deal. Given his injury status and Atlanta’s shifting priorities, it’s conceivable that Cleveland could acquire Cousins for a mid-to-late-round draft pick while absorbing a manageable portion of his salary—possibly around $10 million of his $27.5 million deal.
The Browns’ interest in Cousins isn’t just about 2025; it’s about stability. With a strong roster built on defense and a competitive window still open, Cleveland cannot afford another year of QB carousel drama. Cousins offers not just experience but also familiarity and leadership, traits that could elevate the play of young receivers and simplify the offensive transition for the rookie QBs behind him.
As the Steelers bet big on Rodgers, Cleveland may soon counter with a calculated move of their own—one that brings in a proven veteran to steer the ship while the Browns plan for the future. If Cousins lands in Cleveland, the AFC North battle will only grow more intense.
