Kirk Cousins, the former quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, left the team last offseason after negotiations for a new contract did not pan out. Now, a little over a year later, there are whispers that he could return to Minnesota, alongside interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. According to reports from Dianna Russini of The Athletic, these teams might explore trading for Cousins during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Russini’s insights reveal that while both the Steelers and Browns appear to be viable options for Cousins, the Vikings might be the least likely choice. This is particularly due to the Vikings’ strong inclination towards J.J. McCarthy, a promising young quarterback. Furthermore, it is believed that Cousins would prefer not to join another team where he would compete with a young player for the starting position, referencing his challenges during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Steelers and Browns provide a more logical path for Cousins’ next chapter. Pittsburgh has been actively looking for a veteran quarterback, having courted Aaron Rodgers. However, if that deal doesn’t materialize, Cousins could serve as a solid alternative. Currently, Mason Rudolph is listed as the Steelers’ starter, an indication that they are likely to pursue a more experienced option soon.
On the other hand, the Browns have re-signed Joe Flacco after a year away from the team. While Flacco can still perform well, adding Cousins might not hinder their plans, especially with concerns around Deshaun Watson’s health. Watson faced an Achilles injury that required surgery, leaving his status for the 2025 season uncertain. Consequently, the Browns could benefit greatly from adding Cousins to bolster their quarterback lineup.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the decisions of both teams may hinge on their ability to secure quarterbacks through this draft. With numerous rookie quarterbacks expected to be in high demand, if the Steelers and Browns fail to snag their desired prospects within the first couple of rounds, Cousins could become an appealing bridge option. This speculation has led to Russini suggesting that a trade could likely occur around draft day.
However, there are concerns about Cousins’ performance following a challenging 2024 season. The 36-year-old struggled with the Atlanta Falcons, recording just 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions over 14 games. As a result of his struggles, the Falcons shifted to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback for the following season.
Despite these setbacks, there remains hope for a potential resurgence if Cousins can regain his health and performance standards. Having battled an Achilles injury last season, it’s possible that this physical issue was a significant factor in his decline. If Cousins can fully recover, he might have a chance to prove that he still has the ability to contribute effectively.
Even if Cousins is at a point where his best days may be behind him, a new team wouldn’t require him to carry the load for long. He could serve a vital role, keeping the quarterback position warm for a younger talent while they develop and transition into the starting role.
For both the Steelers and the Browns, acquiring Cousins could add stability as they prepare for the future. They are both considering potential quarterback options for the 2026 NFL Draft, and a season with Cousins could provide the time needed to evaluate their next steps.
While Cousins may seek to avoid a scenario where he becomes a short-term solution, a year with either team could give him the opportunity to demonstrate that he still has something to offer in the NFL. As the draft looming closer, the coming days will be crucial for Cousins and the teams that are interested in him.
