Browns: Pursuit of Kirk Cousins not changed by Falcons' stubbornness
The Atlanta Falcons have opted to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins on their roster beyond the deadline to pay him a $10 million roster bonus in 2026, but this does not change much for the Cleveland Browns as they potentially pursue the veteran.
The Browns have been rumored to be in the market for Cousins ever since he was benched for first round rookie Michael Penix Jr. in 2024. The pathways to getting him, however, have now been reduced to a trade for the veteran quarterback. That may always have been the option from the Falcons' perspective as they have been firm they would not cut him before his roster bonus kicked in and would even hold onto him into the season.
While it is not expected for the Falcons to hang onto Cousins, they were not bluffing about holding Cousins hostage in exchange for a draft pick. But what all has gone down and how did we get here? Does it change anything from the Browns' perspective?
Potential Falcons/Kirk Cousins trade timeline
Let's follow the details here:
- Cousins' contract has a no trade clause
- Cousins knows he is due a roster bonus
- Cousins can opt to waive any trade until more financial security is activated in his contract
- The Falcons must then choose between cutting Cousins, where he can sign with whatever team he wants, or keep him and trade him after the bonus kicks in
- Falcons opt to keep him, let the 2026 bonus kick into his contract, and continue to seek out a trade
At the end of the day here, the Falcons are going to trade him and seem quite desperate to secure a draft pick in return. That draft pick will be a Day 3 pick, but just how high of a Day 3 pick will be determined by how much of Cousins' deal they opt to eat.
So sure, while Cousins will have an extra $10 million guaranteed in 2026 to whatever team trades for him, the Falcons will still likely have to eat a great deal of Cousins' 2025 hit to make the move happen. The only curveball that could now become included here is the amount of teams in search of a quarterback.
Who could challenge the Browns on the trade market?
The Tennessee Titans seems set on drafting Miami's Cam Ward first overall while adding a quality, veteran backup to the roster. They have already done that, inking Brandon Allen to a contract in NFL free agency.
The Minnesota Vikings seem to be seeking out a quality starter or running it with J.J. McCarthy in 2025, and the New York Giants seem to be between Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson (who visited the Browns on Thursday). This predominantly leaves the Browns as the only suitor for Cousins left on the market. They wildcard team here, however, and one that Cousins might prefer to play for would sting a bit:
The Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers wanted Justin Fields back, who opted to sign with the New York Jets in free agency. They have since pivoted to Rodgers. However, Rodgers is taking his time and The Athletic's Diana Russini is reporting has a preference to play for the Vikings. This could cause Pittsburgh to get aggressive.
From the Browns' perspective, however, Cousins' roster bonus changes absolutely nothing about their potential pursuit of the quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns pursuit of Kirk Cousins not changed by Falcons' decision
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