Sure! Here’s a paraphrased version of the article, keeping the core ideas intact while using different wording and structure:
By signing Joe Flacco this week, the Cleveland Browns did more than reunite with a familiar face — they shook up the quarterback landscape just weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft. The move added pressure on recently acquired Kenny Pickett, setting the stage for a heated offseason battle. It also signaled that the Browns may be planning to add another QB in the draft, crowding the quarterback room. Perhaps most notably, it all but confirmed that Kirk Cousins — long rumored to be a potential Stefanski target — is no longer in the team’s plans, if he ever truly was.
Despite past ties with Stefanski during their time in Minnesota, Cousins seems out of the Browns’ equation. Now with the Atlanta Falcons, he’s been seeking a fresh start this offseason. The biggest obstacle? His contract. Reports suggest it played a major role in scaring off Cleveland, and the Falcons are holding on in hopes of increasing his trade value.
So, what’s next for Cousins? Unless he negotiates a release or Atlanta finds a desperate trade partner during the season, he might remain a backup. Still, a few possible landing spots remain — albeit with caveats:
1. Minnesota Vikings
A return to Minnesota would be a compelling storyline. Cousins is still well-liked by the fan base and could be a valuable backup to rookie J.J. McCarthy. However, Cousins reportedly wants a chance to start, which likely isn’t on the table unless McCarthy stumbles significantly. That said, sitting behind the rookie in a familiar setting could be preferable to backing up Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta.
2. New Orleans Saints
It’s rare for division rivals to make trades, but if Atlanta isn’t committed to Cousins long-term, a deal with New Orleans could make sense. The Saints need quarterback help, with Derek Carr’s status uncertain. New head coach Kellen Moore could use a steady veteran like Cousins to stabilize the offense. If Cousins is released, New Orleans becomes a realistic fit — and he’d likely relish the chance to face the Falcons twice a year.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Though the Steelers are reportedly targeting Aaron Rodgers, questions remain. If Rodgers doesn’t sign or retires, and the team misses out on drafting a top QB, Cousins could be an experienced fallback. He wasn’t seriously considered during last year’s free agency, but Pittsburgh’s urgency has only grown. If cut, Cousins could offer the team a cost-effective short-term solution.
Let me know if you want this rewritten in a different style — like more concise, more casual, or for social media.
Leave a Reply