NFL Trade Rumors: Falcons & Browns Linked To Blockbuster Deal

June 05, 2025 ,
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins throws the ball during 2024 game.

The Atlanta Falcons say they’re holding firm on Kirk Cousins—but that hasn’t stopped the trade rumors from heating up. 

While the Pittsburgh Steelers were once seen as a potential landing spot, ESPN’s Marc Raimondi believes the Cleveland Browns make far more sense as a destination. In a hypothetical deal, the Browns would receive Cousins and a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for Kenny Pickett, a 2026 sixth-rounder, and cash. 

The clincher? Atlanta would cover $17.5 million of Cousins' guaranteed salary. That scenario suddenly makes the financials far less daunting, and gives the Browns a legit QB1 in Deshaun Watson’s absence.

Why the Browns-Cousins Connection Makes Sense

Cousins’ longstanding relationship with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski—dating back to their Minnesota Vikings days—gives Cleveland an edge. The Browns are currently trying to sort through a quarterback logjam that includes Joe Flacco, rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, and the recently acquired Pickett. 

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that if Cousins becomes available, he’d likely leapfrog them all. With OTAs wrapping and Watson’s Achilles recovery dragging on, adding Cousins would give Cleveland instant credibility and stability under center.

Steelers Risk Being Left in the Dust

This deal would be a blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are reportedly waiting on Aaron Rodgers while rolling with Mason Rudolph, rookie Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson. 

If the Browns snatch Cousins and Rodgers stays put, Pittsburgh could find themselves out of options. And with Cousins joining a division rival, the ripple effect would be massive. Meanwhile, Atlanta would gain Pickett as a potential backup behind rookie Michael Penix Jr. and shed a chunk of Cousins’ massive contract.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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