As the Cleveland Browns prepare to play their final game of the 2024 season, all eyes will soon shift to the team’s upcoming offseason.
That includes the Browns’ plans at the quarterback position, with Deshaun Watson continuing to recover from the torn Achilles that brought his 2024 campaign to a premature end.
In a new report for ESPN, Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi detailed the dysfunction that has come to define the Browns since acquiring Watson in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans in 2022. And in doing so, the ESPN reporters revealed that Cleveland may consider making a run at Kirk Cousins, whose time with the Atlanta Falcons appears to be nearing its end.
Writes Fowler and Oyefusi:
“Browns team sources acknowledge it is safe to assume Watson will be back with the team in some capacity in 2025, but also caution it’s ‘too early’ to make sweeping determinations. They also acknowledge Watson’s injury history ‘has to’ be a factor in its plan going forward, and status quo in the quarterback room isn’t an option given the tumult of this season. One team source said ‘any veteran with starter’s talent’ will be evaluated by the Browns, including current Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins, should he become available as expected.”
It’s also worth noting that Cousins has experience with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was on the Vikings’ coaching staff during the Michigan State product’s time in Minnesota. That included the 2019 season, in which Stefanski served as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator.
In the time since, Stefanski has become a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, while Cousins currently finds himself enduring a disappointing 2024 season while recovering from his own Achilles injury. While the situation may not be ideal, the Browns need a new starting quarterback and Cousins will likely be available.
Following ESPN’s report regarding a potential Cousins-Stefanski reunion in Cleveland, many took to social media to react.
Where there’s smoke there’s usually fire, Kirk to Browns gaining more traction https://t.co/13KJsUKiQa
— crackertalksball (@PHDcracker) January 2, 2025
It makes too much sense. And he’ll be available for cheap too. Pair him up with a late round rookie and just go for it. https://t.co/76NcbRWplb
— A Dude Called Parker (@adcparker) January 2, 2025
If the Browns pass on Cam Ward to sign washed up Kirk Cousins I am officially punting on the 2025 season. I’ll catch back up in 2026.
— Shane Brown (@smbrown26) January 2, 2025
https://t.co/woeZ66s5f1 pic.twitter.com/cc88Xb4lLj
— DTS (@DanyEatsWorld) January 2, 2025
Heading to the place where careers die….. https://t.co/gqm58U68Yq
— LeonIsGarbage (@LeonSandoTXMN) January 2, 2025
And then what after that disaster??? 😭🤦🏾 https://t.co/G0sQJBJpvU
— Dez Niko (@ViceCityMackin) January 2, 2025
[ESPN]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.