After Michael Penix Jr. took over for the final three games of the 2024 season, it appeared Kirk Cousins’ time with the Atlanta Falcons might be coming to an end.
So far, the Falcons have remained firm in their public stance: Cousins is staying on as the backup — despite holding a contract worthy of a starting quarterback. Still, with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, there’s reason to believe Atlanta could move off Cousins if the right offer comes along.
One of the rumored landing spots gaining steam is the Cleveland Browns, who are expected to be without Deshaun Watson for the 2025 season. That leaves newly acquired Kenny Pickett as the only notable name on the depth chart.
On Thursday, speculation surrounding a potential Falcons-Browns trade picked up significantly after Cousins was spotted posing for photos with fans at two restaurants in the Cleveland area (h/t @ajpolak93).
Following his stop at Chipotle, Cousins responded to the buzz on social media, saying, “Salad with double chicken never fails me.”
That’s the only direct comment from Cousins so far, but his presence in Cleveland — especially at a time when the Browns are still hunting for a quarterback — isn’t going unnoticed.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
With Russell Wilson recently signing with the New York Giants, the list of QB-needy teams is thinning. The Browns and Steelers remain two of the few franchises still in search of a starter. The Browns do hold the No. 2 overall pick, giving them a chance to select a top quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward if the Titans pass on the Miami star at No. 1.
It’s also worth noting that Cousins, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, may wait until after the draft to approve a trade, thanks to a no-trade clause in his contract. That decision would allow him to avoid another surprise like last year, when Atlanta signed him before drafting Penix at No. 8 overall.
While Cousins has yet to publicly confirm the reason behind his Cleveland visit, it’s hard to imagine it was just a random trip — and it’s only fueling speculation that trade talks between the Falcons and Browns could be heating up.
🚨JUST IN: #Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins just stopped by the City BBQ in Cleveland for dinner tonight…
Kirk was at a local Cleveland Chipotle for Lunch earlier in the day.
👀
(@ajpolak93) pic.twitter.com/KS4kqLpeUh
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 28, 2025
MORE: Why did the Falcons keep Kirk Cousins? Atlanta holds on to veteran backup QB, guaranteeing $10 million roster bonus
Falcons reportedly receiving trade calls for Kirk Cousins with major draft pick in play
