The Minnesota Vikings made the right choice by deciding not to re-sign Kirk Cousins during the 2024 offseason. After being benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr., Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons is now uncertain, and he could be traded if he can’t secure his release from the team.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin predicts that Cousins might reunite with former Vikings assistant Kevin Stefanski, now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
“Coach Kevin Stefanski worked with Cousins for two years with the Vikings, and given Cousins’ recent struggles with the Falcons, he likely won’t command a high salary,” Benjamin noted on January 28. “This could make him a suitable one-year option to replace the injured Deshaun Watson.
” Watson, who tore his Achilles a second time in January, may miss all of the 2025 season. The Browns could be looking for a temporary solution given Watson’s fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, which they may not be able to recover much from.
Kirk Cousins
At 36 years old, Cousins had a 66.9% completion rate in 2024, with 3,608 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He finished with a 7-7 record as the Falcons’ starter, ending his season with a win against the Las Vegas Raiders after starting 0-4. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta.
If the Falcons decide to cut Cousins, they would face a $40 million dead cap hit. However, they could save $27.5 million and incur a smaller $12.5 million dead cap hit by trading him after June 1, making that option more financially appealing. Meanwhile, the Browns struggled in 2024, finishing with a 3-14 record and losing their final six games.
Leave a Reply