A year after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins is already hoping to get traded. While Cousins is likely still happy with the dollar amount he signed for, Cousins has since been supplanted by 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr, Atlanta’s new franchise quarterback.
Thus, the soon-to-be 37-year-old would prefer to get traded to a situation where he’s more likely to start in 2025. In Atlanta, Cousins’ best chance to start would come from Penix suffering an injury, but that’s not what anyone wants.
However, Cousins could still find the starting job he’s seeking, it just won’t come from the Falcons. Yet, with a handful of teams still seeking a new starting QB, now some are speculating on what it would cost to trade for the four-time Pro Bowl QB.
Related: Cleveland Browns have been targeting trade for this QB for over a year
Cleveland Browns Kirk Cousins trade could cost roughly a fourth-round pick
One team that is still in the quarterback hunt is the Cleveland Browns, who recently traded for former first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Yet, Pickett may not be their preferred starting QB, he is however, a capable backup who can make spot starts, if necessary.
Though, when compared to Pickett, most teams would rather have Kirk Cousins in the starting lineup. That could include the Browns too. Cleveland does have a notable connection with Cousins, from when head coach Kevin Stefanski coached him for two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
On paper, the Browns make a lot of sense as a potential trade landing spot for Cousins. Yet, what would it cost Cleveland to trade for a new veteran starting QB?
Recently, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer answered that very question, offering a number of different outcomes.
“I heard the Falcons would like another team to pick up a good portion of it. I’d be interested to see whether Atlanta agrees to pay, say, $12.5 million of the $27.5 million that Cousins is due to get a fourth-round pick (Cleveland’s is 104th, which is the second pick of Day 3 of the draft) from the Browns.”
SI’s Albert Breer on Kirk Cousins trade to Browns
If the Browns are weighing the decision to add Cousins or to enter the season with Pickett plus a rookie not named Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart, then perhaps paying a bit extra to land the veteran they may covet is worth it.
Related: NFL insider speculates on three Kirk Cousins landing spots that make the most ‘sense’
