3 NFL Teams That Could Sign Kirk Cousins If Falcons Cut Him

With Michael Penix Jr. set to become the full-time starter, the Kirk Cousins this offseason. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport believes the Falcons will likely cut, not trade, Cousins. Here are three NFL teams that could sign Cousins if the Falcons release him.

Cleveland Browns

"I think a plan would be not to draft a QB RD 1 but to trade down get a backup get Kirk Cousins and have 3 guys in the room who you can compete with."

–@JoshCribbs16 lays out a vision for the Browns to build a competitive roster next year #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/QV0hKRMbSn

— The Return With Josh & Maria Cribbs (@TheCribbsShow) January 6, 2025

The Cleveland Browns have major questions at quarterback.

Deshaun Watson will miss most of the 2025 season with a ruptured Achilles.

The Browns are unlikely to re-sign impending free agent Jameis Winston. Additionally, Dorian Thompson-Robinson has not proven himself enough to become the full-time starter.

Cleveland has the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which they could use to take a quarterback.

If the Browns elect to take the best position player available or trade back to acquire more picks, Cousins could be a viable bridge quarterback for the next year or two.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski previously worked with Cousins in Minnesota from 2018 to 2019. Cousins won the only playoff game of his career when Stefanski was the offensive coordinator in 2019.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Florio Likes Steelers As Landing Spot For Kirk Cousins #Steelers #NFL #Pittsburgh https://t.co/8cLhzqWRgI

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 18, 2024

Is Pittsburgh going to go the “veteran quarterback on a cheap contract” route for the second consecutive season?

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are free agents. Both quarterbacks showed flashes of potential in 2024, but neither proved they should be the Steelers’ quarterback for the future.

Cousins gets a $27.5 million salary next season from the Falcons. If Atlanta releases Cousins, the quarterback becomes an attractive option for teams who can sign him to a minimum salary.

This strategy is exactly what the Steelers did with Wilson in 2024 after his release from the Broncos.

While Cousins needs to cut back on the turnovers (16 interceptions in 2024), he’s a superior er compared to Wilson and Fields. Perhaps that’s what the Steelers need to improve their offense.

Tennessee Titans

Titans President of Football Operations Chad Brinker at today’s press conference to introduce new GM Mike Borgonzi: “We won’t on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL Draft.”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2025

The Titans hold the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tennessee needs a quarterback, and they can pick whichever one they want.

However, the Titans also need a lot of help filling out key positions on the roster. Titans GM Mike Borgonzi said that “draft picks are our biggest form of currency,” while President of Football Operations Chad Brinker said the team “won’t on a generational talent” with the top pick.

Could this be a smokescreen for other teams? Absolutely.

However, the Titans could elect to sign Cousins as a bridge quarterback and then draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.