“Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will probably miss significant time during the 2025 season.” The Cleveland Browns wrote this in their official statement on Deshaun Watson‘s re-rupture to his Achilles tendon in January 2025. And Ian Rapoport also reported that the Browns QB is likely to miss the entire 2025 season. Since then, Kevin Stefanski and the Browns have been looking for a quarterback. As several quarterbacks have hit free agency this year, Stefanski would face a dilemma.
One of the names emerging for the quarterback position for the Browns is Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins. When Rich Eisen asked Albert Breer about the current situation of the Browns and the quarterback vacancy, he described: “I think their plan is to continue to look at all the veteran options. I think Kirk Cousins is on their radar. The Cousins thing is interesting.” Okay. But why Cousins?
Breer quipped, “Because he wants out. And you know, at first, I really looked at this two months ago and said they got to get Kirk Cousins out of there. It’s what’s best for their Young quarterback.” It was not only Kirk Cousins they talked about. Russell Wilson’s name was thrown in the mix. Notedly, the 36-year-old star also went to the Browns headquarters, but no positive reply came out.
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 03: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins 18 after the Sunday afternoon NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Dallas Cowboys on November 3, 2024 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 03 Cowboys at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9532411032354
But Kirk Cousins’s story is different from other QB options for Stefanski and the Browns. Cousins had a strong 2024 season. Looking at his stats, he ranked in the top 20 for passing touchdowns for 3,508 yards. A key measure of success for any QB is minimizing interceptions, and Cousins ranked 108th in interceptions with only 16. Though his QBR dipped to 50.4, the overall performance by the 36-year-old veteran was impressive.
That’s why, if the Browns’ coach wants a veteran presence, Kirk Cousins could be a great fit. But here’s the problem—he also has the Vikings as an option. Until Kevin O’Connell decides whether he wants Aaron Rodgers or not, Cousins will remain on the table, which could be a major headache for Stefanski—especially if he wants the veteran at any cost and is willing to take on his $45 million annual salary.
Meanwhile, with Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins as potential options, reports suggest something wild for Stefanski.
Reports suggest an unexpected QB option for Kevin Stefanski
The Cleveland Browns have inducted Kenny Pickett after trading QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 5th-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. After the trade, Pickett also said that he was excited to be on the team and ready to compete for the starting QB job. But wait, he is not the only one.
The Browns Veteran quarterback tracker has released a list of six veteran quarterbacks who can compete with Kenny Pickett. And the top of the list is former Lions QB Teddy Bridgewater. The 32-year-old veteran quarterback took retirement in 2023 for head coaching high school football. But in 2024, he officially announced that he was unretiring and joined Detroit as an emergency quarterback.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 13: Minnesota Vikings Offensive Coordinator Kevin Stefanski calls plays in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-20.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Remarkably, Stefanski and Bridgewater have a high level of mutual respect. They both worked together for the Vikings. Apart from Teddy, the list includes other five veteran quarterbacks, fit for the Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, Joe Milton, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston.
So, from Kirk Cousins to Teddy Bridgewater and Jameis Winston, Kevin Stefanski has options for Q1 and QB2 positions. But the question remains, who gets those spots?
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