Cleveland Browns and New York Giants could express interest in 4x Pro Bowler

New York Giants, Cleveland Browns — Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants need a starting quarterback to help kick off their 2025 seasons. If they had a game to play right now, the Browns would likely turn to former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and the Giants would call upon Jameis Winston.

Yet, both teams may want a higher-caliber option before they embark on a 17-game season.

Cleveland Browns and New York Giants linked to Kirk Cousins trade

New York Giants, Kirk Cousins — Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants have expressed interest in signing former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. The 10-time Pro Bowler may be waiting to see where Aaron Rodgers lands in free agency before making his decision, too.

However, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Browns and Giants could each circle back to trading for Kirk Cousins later this offseason. The idea then would be to see if the Falcons are willing to trade their four-time Pro Bowl QB instead of having a highly-paid backup with a $40 million cap hit in 2025. Cousins may prefer to be patient and ensure he’s not leapfrogged by another rookie quarterback set to join the team in April.

“If, say, Rodgers picks the Steelers this week, I’d expect that the Giants and Cleveland Browns would have at least some interest in making a move for the Atlanta Falcons’ very pricey backup. Ditto for the Steelers if they strike out.”
SI’s Albert Breer on Kirk Cousins

Last year, Cousins was shocked when the Falcons doubled down at the QB position by selecting Michael Penix Jr in the first round, just months after inking him to a $180 million contract. Now Cousins hopes to avoid a similar situation.

According to Breer, Cousins “has already signaled to teams that he would want to wait to see what happens over draft weekend before accepting a trade. Boasting a full no-trade clause, Cousins has earned the right to have more say in which situation he lands in .