Dawgs By Nature
Browns have been linked to Kirk Cousins if he hits NFL free agency but Falcons pushing another narrative
The Cleveland Browns are among at least six teams on the lookout for a starting-level quarterback this offseason. The Atlanta Falcons were in the same place last offseason and doubled up in NFL free agency and the NFL draft. The Falcons hope they have found their long-term answer in Michael Penix Jr. which leaves Kirk Cousins twisting in the wind a year after signing a big deal.
Before the season ended, we even wondered if a trade of unwanted quarterbacks (Deshaun Watson for Cousins) could make sense. Then the Browns restructured Watson’s deal and he tore his Achilles for a second time, ending the even slim chances of that happening.
Like most, we have predicted that Cousins signs with Cleveland this offseason, after hearing many rumors about it and having hope that a recently revealed injury was another sign the veteran QB could bounce back.
The Los Angeles Rams putting Matthew Stafford on the market, or at least potentially, did create the potential for another suitor for Cousins.
Except all of that was dependent on Cousins becoming a free agent because Atlanta would have to pay him $10 million in a couple of weeks if he’s still on their roster. Few expect that the owner would want to spend that kind of money for a backup quarterback.
At the NFL combine, not only did Falcons GM Terry Fontenot push back on the idea that they would release Cousins but also noted that they were in the dark about any injury during the season:
The denial of the injury is likely procedural since it wasn’t listed on the NFL’s official injury report. The idea that they might keep him is mostly posturing but the Falcons did go against the grain when they signed Cousins and then used a top-10 pick on a quarterback last year. Anything is possible.
From a salary cap perspective, Cousins will cost $40 million if he is on the roster or released as a post-June 1st cut. If Atlanta releases him outright, he will cost $65 million versus the cap immediately.
Do you think the Falcons could actually keep Cousins or is it all smoke? Share your thoughts below
