There’s been no sign of Kirk Cousins at Falcons OTAs so far — a notable absence that only adds fuel to the growing speculation that the veteran quarterback could be traded at any time.
At least now, post-June 1, the Falcons are in a better financial position to do so. If Atlanta finds a team willing to trade for Cousins — and if Cousins agrees to waive his no-trade clause — the team would save $27.5 million, a significant jump from the $2.5 million they would have saved prior to June 1.
Still, the Falcons would likely have to eat a portion of Cousins’ remaining salary to facilitate a deal, given the amount he’s owed in guaranteed money.
One potential suitor is the Cleveland Browns. According to ESPN, the Browns are viewed as the most logical destination for Cousins, not just for financial purposes but because of his realistic shot at starting — despite a crowded quarterback room that already includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Dillon Gabriel.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler proposed the following trade scenario:
Falcons receive: QB Kenny Pickett, 2026 sixth-round pick, cash considerations
Browns receive: Kirk Cousins, 2026 seventh-round pick
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“This destination always made the most sense for Cousins, who has a long history with Browns coach Kevin Stefanski from their time together in Minnesota,” Fowler wrote. “After going through OTAs and minicamp, the Browns might realize they need another veteran to compete for the starting job. Cleveland currently has Joe Flacco, rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and Pickett competing for the QB1 spot with Deshaun Watson out (Achilles).”
Fowler added that the Falcons could front $17.5 million of Cousins’ guaranteed salary for 2025, allowing Pickett to slot in as Atlanta’s new QB2.
While the Falcons may hope to pay less than that, it could be considered a bargain compared to paying Cousins to sit on the bench.
For the Browns, it would mark yet another chaotic twist in what’s already been a wild offseason for their quarterback room. But would Cousins really want to walk into yet another potential QB controversy? A trade would immediately trigger questions about a battle between Cousins and Sanders, who has remained a media and fan focal point since being drafted by Cleveland.
Then again, it could just as easily be the move that shuts the door on Sanders’ chances of claiming the QB1 role.
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