Browns insider expands on Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers rumors

Cleveland Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has repeatedly made it known she believes the Browns will target quarterback Kirk Cousins over Aaron Rodgers this offseason, in part because Rodgers "will want more money than the Browns are willing to spend on a bridge" option at the position. 

For a piece published late Sunday night, Browns reporter Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand explained why he views Cousins as "the early favorite" to sign with Cleveland assuming the signal-caller and the Falcons part ways in March, as expected. 

"He is guaranteed $27.5M by the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 and could be had for as little as the NFL minimum salary $1.255M when they release him prior to March 17 (If they don’t, another $10M roster bonus becomes guaranteed)," Grossi said about Cousins.  Also, he’s familiar with [the offense run by Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski] back to their 2018-19 seasons together with the Minnesota Vikings." 

Stefanski was Cousins' quarterbacks coach and his offensive coordinator during their time together in Minnesota. 

It now seems Cousins was much more banged up than even some within the Falcons realized when he tossed eight interceptions and no touchdown passes over four consecutive losses this past fall. He eventually lost his starting job to 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16, but at least one Atlanta source thinks Cousins could enjoy a bounce-back year assuming the arm strength that betrayed him in December returns by this coming September. 

Meanwhile, Grossi ranked Rodgers last among Cleveland's possible quarterback options. 

"The fact national 'insiders' list Cleveland as a potential destination for the drama king is a sad commentary on the state of the Browns," Grossi said about Rodgers. 

That's all well and good, but The Athletic's Zac Jackson suggested as recently as Monday that wantaway All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett wouldn't rescind his trade request if Cleveland signs Cousins. The Browns reportedly "are prepared to exercise patience and let this play out as long as possible" regarding the Garrett saga, as the 29-year-old is under contract through the 2026 campaign and, thus, may have to prove he's willing to sit regular-season games out to receive his desired trade. 

One wonders if Garrett would rather have Rodgers than Cousins as a QB1 later this year. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Rodgers intends to play at least one more season because he has "unfinished business to take care of" on the field.