Cleveland Browns struggle to find consistent QB in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, trade for Kirk Cousins emerges as top solution

The Cleveland Browns are heading into 2025 with a big question mark at quarterback. With Deshaun Watson out after Achilles surgery, the team’s current options—Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders—offer potential but no clear answer.

Now, talk is heating up about trading for veteran Kirk Cousins. He might be the solution the Browns are looking for or a costly risk they can’t afford.

Why Browns are thinking about Kirk Cousins for QB

Watson’s injury has thrown the Browns into a tricky spot. GM Andrew Berry’s off-season moves brought in four quarterbacks, each with their own strengths, but none have proven they can consistently lead a team hungry for success. Pickett and Flacco have some experience, but questions remain about their ability to perform week in and week out.

Meanwhile, Gabriel and Sanders are young and promising but unproven in the NFL.That’s where Kirk Cousins comes in. The 36-year-old veteran, currently the backup in Atlanta behind Michael Penix Jr., is eager for a starting role. USA TODAY’s Jacob Camenker believes Cousins could be the ideal short-term solution for the Browns, a steady veteran to guide the team while the younger quarterbacks develop. Cousins has a solid track record and knows how to work within a good offense, making him an appealing option.

But there’s a catch. Cousins’ salary is hefty, he’s part of a $180 million contract that would be tough for the Browns to take on, especially with Watson’s large contract still on the books. The team would have to make some serious financial moves to fit him in, and with Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski both under pressure to deliver, the stakes couldn’t be higher.The situation is further complicated by the Falcons’ reluctance to trade Cousins.

His absence from recent team activities hints he’s frustrated and pushing for a move, but Atlanta hasn’t shown much interest in letting him go yet. Also Read: “Go somewhere and chew on bark”: Terry Bradshaw’s savage message to Aaron Rodgers amid the No. 12 Jersey debateFor Cleveland, trading for Cousins is a big gamble. On one hand, he could keep the Browns competitive in the tough AFC North, throwing to talented players like Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku behind a solid offensive line. On the other hand, the financial strain and uncertainty about how well he fits with the team could backfire.