The Cleveland Browns will likely have a new starting quarterback in Week 1, as Deshaun Watson's status for the upcoming 2025 campaign is in serious question due to surgery on a torn Achilles' tendon.
Due to Watson's injury, the Browns added a bunch of quarterbacks to the roster this offseason, including Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickett is one of the favorites to win the starting job, but Joe Flacco also has a good chance due to his experience. Cleveland also added two quarterbacks to the roster in the draft, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Though Pickett could be the Browns' starting quarterback to open the season, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler predicts the team will trade the Pittsburgh product and a future draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons for Kirk Cousins.
Here is the full trade package Fowler proposed:
- CLEVELAND RECEIVES: QB Kirk Cousins, 2026 seventh-round pick
- ATLANTA RECEIVES: QB Kenny Pickett, 2026 sixth-round pick, cash considerations
"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. After going through OTAs and minicamp, the Browns might realize they need another veteran to compete for the starting job. The Falcons could strike a deal where they front $17.5 million of Cousins' guaranteed money for 2025, and Pickett would be Atlanta's new QB2," Fowler wrote.
Cousins is currently slated to be Atlanta's No.2 quarterback. The team is moving forward with Michael Penix Jr. as the starter after Cousins posted a horrendous 2024 campaign. However, the veteran signal-caller hasn't been present at OTAs, and it's clear that he wants to be traded.
Cleveland would be a logical landing spot for Cousins, as the 36-year-old would immediately step in as the starting quarterback and could flourish in an offense that has a few dynamic playmakers, including Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku. The offensive line is also solid, and Cousins is familiar with Kevin Stefanski's system dating back to their days in Minnesota.
Stefanski and general manager Andrew Barry are likely fighting for their jobs in 2025. Another losing season wouldn't be ideal for the duo. Though Cousins is coming off a down year, the four-time Pro Bowler could still provide adequate play and keep the Browns competitive in the AFC North.