The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is in complete disarray. With Deshaun Watson expected to miss the 2025 season due to surgery on a torn Achilles’ tendon, the Browns have added four new quarterbacks to the roster this offseason in Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.
Due to their experience as starters, Pickett and Flacco are strong candidates to be the starter. However, Gabriel and Sanders also have a shot due to their potential. Though any of the four could win the starting job, The Draft Network’s Justin Melo believes Cleveland should add another quarterback to the roster by trading for Atlanta Falcons signal-caller Kirk Cousins.
Cleveland’s ceiling would be significantly higher with Cousins at quarterback. The Browns possess a stellar roster, and it’s easy to envision the four-time Pro Bowler keeping them in postseason contention. We’re not convinced Flacco or Pickett could achieve the same. Adding Cousins would allow Gabriel and Sanders to develop slowly behind the scenes.
Cousins wasn’t in attendance during the first day of Atlanta’s OTAs on Tuesday, signaling that he is unhappy with the franchise. The 36-year-old is expected to serve as the backup quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. in 2025, but Cousins has expressed his desire to be a starter to members of the Falcons’ organization and could be willing to waive his no-trade clause for an opportunity elsewhere.
Though Cousins is open to a trade, Atlanta hasn’t shown a willingness to move the four-time Pro Bowler. However, the team would be foolish to hold on to the expensive veteran quarterback heading into the regular season, so a trade is still on the table.
Though Cousins would immediately step in as the Browns’ starting quarterback and would be an upgrade over Pickett and Flacco, Cleveland should avoid trading for the Michigan State product. Cousins still has three years left on a massive $180 million contract he signed with the Falcons last offseason, and Cleveland isn’t in the position to take on that deal right now, especially with Watson and his contract still on the roster.
Additionally, Cousins doesn’t move the needle that much for the Browns. He would lead Kevin Stefanski’s squad to a couple of extra wins, but that isn’t worth it for the long term. Cleveland should be done acquiring quarterbacks this offseason and head into the season with the group they currently have at the position.
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