ClutchPoints
The Cincinnati Bengals entered 2025 with Super Bowl aspirations and one of the NFL’s most talented rosters. In a cruel twist, though, those hopes were shaken in Week 2 when star QB Joe Burrow went down with a significant injury. Now, with the the Bengals’ championship window still wide open, Cincinnati faces a choice: ride out the storm with Jake Browning or swing for a blockbuster move that could change everything.
Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being sacked. The injury will require surgery and will sideline him for at least three months. That would obviously cost him a significant portion of the season. Recall that Burrow was helped off the field with a noticeable limp. After an on-site evaluation, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. That was a contest the Bengals still went on to win behind backup Jake Browning.
With Burrow sidelined until at least late in the year, the Bengals now turn to Browning as their starter. He delivered a mixed outing in relief, throwing for 241 yards and two touchdowns but also tossing three interceptions. Sure, his performance was enough to secure the victory. However, it leaves lingering questions about whether Browning can carry the offense over an extended stretch.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Bengals’ perfect Kirk Cousins trade offer to Falcons after Joe Burrow injury.
Whenever a contender loses its quarterback, Kirk Cousins’ name inevitably surfaces as a possible solution. This time, though, the connection makes a lot of sense. He has built a reputation as a steady, productive passer with playoff experience. With Michael Penix Jr entrenched as the starter in Atlanta, however, Cousins is currently relegated to the backup role. That’s an awkward position for a veteran of his caliber.
For Cincinnati, Cousins represents a proven short-term fix who could immediately maximize the talents of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the Bengals’ dynamic receiving corps. Head coach Zac Taylor’s offensive philosophy meshes well with Cousins’ efficient, rhythm-based passing style. In fact, Cousins’ system fit here seems very compelling.
The drawback, of course, is financial. Cousins is in the second year of a four-year, $180 million contract. On the flip side, Burrow is locked into his own five-year, $275 million deal. Managing both salaries would be costly. That’s especially true for what might ultimately be a half-season rental. Still, if Cincinnati believes this roster is too talented to waste, Cousins could be worth the gamble.
Yes, Cousins holds a no-trade clause. That said, it’s not difficult to imagine him waiving it for the chance to start on a contender like Cincinnati. Throwing to Chase and Higgins would be an enticing opportunity for a quarterback itching to play meaningful snaps again. Again, remember that Cincy employs a pass-heavy scheme that needs precision and volume. Cousins fits...
