After the Denver Broncos incurred the largest dead cap hit in NFL history to release quarterback Russell Wilson this past March, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to an affordable, team-friendly contract. Since then, Wilson has played a key role in helping the 10-4 Steelers rise to the top of the AFC North standings.
In a piece released on Thursday, The Athletic’s Mike Sando suggested that the Cleveland Browns might consider a similar strategy by signing current Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins during the upcoming offseason.
Sando noted that Cousins and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski worked together on the Vikings in 2018 and 2019, when Stefanski was the quarterbacks coach and later offensive coordinator. Their successful collaboration led to Stefanski being hired as the Browns’ coach in 2020. Sando emphasized that Cousins’ prior relationship with Stefanski might make him trust the Browns more than he does the Falcons, especially after the Falcons unexpectedly selected first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. shortly after signing Cousins.
Cousins agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in March, which included $100 million guaranteed, but expressed dissatisfaction when the team chose Penix as the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft. Despite his recent performance, which led to him being benched in favor of Penix, many analysts had speculated last year that Wilson’s NFL career was over. However, Wilson appears to have revitalized his career in Pittsburgh, potentially leading to a multi-year contract.
The Browns plan to retain Stefanski, general manager Andrew Berry, and the heavily criticized quarterback Deshaun Watson for at least the 2025 season. Watson is likely to compete for the starting position against a rookie or a budget option this summer, and Cousins might be that affordable offseason signing.
Sando pointed out that at this stage in his career, Cousins may not secure a guaranteed long-term starting role. He also noted that Stefanski’s preferred play-action and under-center strategies could alleviate some pressure from Cousins, given the Falcons’ lack of these tactics this season.
Cousins showed signs of struggle this fall, partially due to recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in October 2023. An offseason working with a familiar coach, without the burden of rehabilitation, could enable the 36-year-old to follow the same path to redemption as Wilson.
The Browns, meanwhile, are likely bound to the remnants of Watson’s problematic fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract signed in March 2022, which extends through at least January 2026. If Cousins agrees to a deal similar to Wilson’s with the Steelers, the Browns may see him as their best free-agent option if the Falcons decide to part ways with him.
