Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was recently spotted in Cleveland, sparking speculation about his future in the NFL. Cousins, 36, was seen posing with fans at various establishments, including a Chipotle in Westlake and another restaurant in Avon. The rumors linking Cousins to the Browns come as Cleveland faces uncertainty at the quarterback position due to Deshaun Watson’s injury. Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months, leaving his availability for the 2025 season in question.
Despite the speculation, the Falcons are reportedly sticking with Cousins for now and plan to pay his roster bonus. Earlier this month, the Browns restructured Watson’s contract to free up cap space. Cousins is not expected to waive his no-trade clause until after the draft to avoid a situation similar to last offseason when the team drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. Penix eventually took over the starting role for the Falcons, who finished the season 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
The photos of Cousins in Ohio come after reports from Sports Illustrated indicated that the quarterback’s future with the Falcons is uncertain. The team signed Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal but shook things up by drafting Penix in the first round of the draft. Cousins’ offseason travels have fueled speculation about which team he may end up with next season, with some linking him to the Browns given their quarterback situation and his visits to Cleveland.
As the offseason progresses, the NFL landscape remains uncertain, with various teams making moves to solidify their rosters for the upcoming season. Cousins’ presence in Cleveland has only added to the speculation about where he may land next, particularly given the Falcons’ decision to draft a quarterback in the first round. With free agency and the draft still ahead, the quarterback carousel in the NFL is sure to continue, and the fate of players like Cousins remains up in the air.
Ultimately, the Falcons are faced with a decision regarding Cousins’ future with the team, as they navigate the aftermath of a disappointing season. With Penix taking over the starting role and Cousins potentially on the move, Atlanta must weigh their options carefully as they look to improve and compete in the upcoming season. As offseason moves continue to unfold, the NFL remains an ever-evolving landscape, with players like Cousins caught in the midst of uncertainty about their future in the league. Only time will tell where Cousins will end up next season and how the Falcons will move forward in their quest for success.
