You must admit, the Atlanta Falcons were true to their word. At the NFL combine, When the Falcons stated they felt at ease with Kirk Cousins As their fallback option, most people laughed off Although Cousins might have been suitable for that position, the majority thought that Atlanta probably wouldn't commit an additional $10 million to retain him, considering the amount they were already obligated to pay him.
Saturday, All reports indicated that the Falcons would definitely provide $10 million to Cousins in guaranteed money for 2026. That doesn't imply the Cleveland Browns I can't secure him, but Atlanta maintained its negotiating power as Cousins still possesses his no-trade clause.
Whether or not Cousins has been the Browns primary choice as a starter for 2025 , we’ve heard over the last week that the two teams have discussed a deal but that the quarterback was hoping to be a free agent and get to choose his destination. With Atlanta keeping him through the $10 million deadline, Cousins will not get his wish which could change things.
Imagine if Cleveland and Atlanta collaborated on a deal where they reduce the amount the Falcons must pay to Cousins, receive some assets in exchange, and also secure a promising quarterback for the Browns' future?
A complex idea yet enjoyable to put together, we'll dissect the agreement into two sections before merging them at the conclusion.
Section 1: Kirk Cousins' Trade to the Browns
- CLE gets Cousins
- The ATL receives the 2026 5th-round pick which may turn into a 3rd-round selection based on playing time and should the Browns make the playoffs.
This could be a fairly straightforward deal, though perhaps not one that either team particularly enjoys. The terms attached to the draft choice might reassure the Falcons regarding the salary-cap implications of rectifying a significant error from the 2024 off-season. It’s probable that Cleveland will transfer a fourth-round selection to Atlanta; however, they’d gladly part with a third-rounder in 2026 should they secure a playoff berth with Kirk Cousins at quarterback.
Part 2: Execute a Trade so the Browns Acquire Shedeur Sanders
- CLE gets pick #15
- The Atlanta team secures the 33rd overall pick, along with two sixth-round selections in 2025, defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, cornerback Greg Newsame, and a second-round choice in 2027.
Sure, here’s a different way to say it:
This is when we really have to think outside the box. Overall, the proposed trade involving Cousins might not work well for either team due to several factors. However, incorporating this particular trade could be beneficial. Additionally, it might assist the Falcons in reducing their financial burden from Cousins' contract since everyone knows Jimmy Haslam isn’t hesitant about spending money.
Typically, transitioning from #33 to #15 necessitates a second-round pick. In this scenario, Atlanta acquires that pick but with a delay of two years. This move involves betting on an aging and costly Cleveland team to underperform. Additionally, Atlanta receives several extra selections in 2025 along with a rotational defensive end named Okoronkwo, who appears to be supplanted by another player. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and starts as a rookie cornerback at Newsome.
On its own, this agreement may not be appealing enough for the Falcons, but Cousins' contract provides them with a compelling incentive to consider it. By making this trade, the Browns leapfrog several teams interested in acquiring Sanders, sacrificing only a future second-round draft pick down the line. Any defensive shortcomings resulting from this transaction could potentially be offset by signing Tryon-Shoyinka. Cameron Mitchell’s emergence.
Complete Browns, Falcons Trade for Kirk Cousins, No. 15 Pick
- CLE acquires Kirk Cousins along with Pick #15, which they use to select Shedeur Sanders.
- Atlanta acquires DE Ogbo Okoronkwo and CB Greg Newsome, along with two sixth-round selections in 2025, a potentially activated fifth-rounder in 2026, and a second-round pick in 2027.
For Cleveland, adding DE Abdul Carter or WR/CB Travis Hunter With the second selection, they secured their quarterback for 2025 and beyond by drafting Sanders at the 15th pick, which could very well be as near to flawless as one can get.
For Atlanta, they will shed a significant sum of money, incorporate an additional starter and rotation player into a defensive lineup that requires reinforcement, and probably acquire two selections on Day 2, along with a pair of sixth-round picks.
Two birds (a literal Falcons team member), one trade.
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