Cousins is now the backup quarterback for the Falcons, a position he did not expect to be in as he now hopes to find a way out of the situation. The Browns are currently without a starting quarterback and Russini reports that “there’s enough conversations being had” for Cousins going to the Browns to not be surprising. Falcons owner Arthur Blank said and took notes in a conversation that likely revolved around Cousins’ future in Atlanta. If he does get traded, the Browns are a team where Cousins can come in and start, even if they draft a rookie.

Usurped by Michael Penix as Atlanta’s starter late last season, Cousins, entering his age-37 season, reportedly hopes to be traded after the 2025 NFL Draft. Cousins has a no-trade clause in his Falcons contract, meaning he has a say in where he’s dealt in the coming weeks or months. Though Falcons officials have been cagy about Cousins’ future with the organization, there’s almost no way Cousins remains on the roster headed into the summer. Penix is widely viewed as the team’s long-term starter. Cousins in 2024 posted the second lowest touchdown rate of his NFL career and the lowest adjusted yards per attempt of his 13 seasons in the league.

Cousins’ no-trade clause gives him the ability to at least partially determine his own future, and there appears to be wiggle room in his request. Although he would prefer to wait until the draft’s conclusion, he has reportedly made clear that a mid-draft trade, after Day 2 concludes, could be agreeable. Salguero lists the Steelers, Browns and even the Vikings, in a backup role, as possible landing spots.

Cousins wants to avoid the situation he found himself in last season. Less than two months after signing a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons last year, Cousins watched as the Falcons surprisingly went out and drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft. The selection of Penix immediately put pressure on Cousins to perform well to remain as the team’s starter, but by Week 16, Penix was named the starter while Cousins quickly became the highest-paid backup in the league. The Falcons have appeared more than willing to keep Cousins on the roster for the upcoming season, but a trade would benefit all sides, as it would give Cousins a chance to play and the Falcons a chance to pick up some assets in return. With the draft concluding on April 26th, it’s possible we’ll know Cousins’ new landing spot come May.