The Baltimore Ravens are lucky to have one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson. Recent years prove that you need an elite talent under center to win Super Bowls in today’s NFL. Getting it done with an average quarterback is a thing of the past, and the Cleveland Browns are in trouble.
ESPN insiders recently took their shot at mocking trades for players perceived to be on the trade block, including Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Browns, one of the teams with the most questions at quarterback, were identified as a potential suitor, but it wouldn’t do them any good.
The Browns are doomed in 2025
If Cleveland landed a quarterback like Cousins, they’d continue to be the laughingstock of the AFC North. This is no shot at Cousins’ ability–he’s a fine quarterback. He can find success in the league. But with the current landscape of the Browns franchise and fierce rivals like the Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals controlling the division with top quarterbacks in Jackson and Joe Burrow, they need a complete reset.
ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler mocked Cousins to the Browns in his trade scenario. In return, the Falcons would get Kenny Pickett and a sixth-round selection, and the Browns would get a seventh-round pick.
Cleveland might have one of the most disastrous quarterback rooms in the league. When the Ravens suit up to play them, there’s no telling who the quarterback will be that week. While Cousins might give them a proven veteran, he’s clearly on the backend of his career. He threw 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2024, going 7-7 as a starter before getting benched for Michael Penix Jr.
However, Fowler offers valid reasoning for the deal to get done.
“This destination always made the most sense for Cousins, who has a long history with Browns coach Kevin Stefanski from their time together in Minnesota.”
With Stefanski, Cousins could experience a career revival. However, it adds another ugly contract to the Browns roster and more uncertainty ahead. The team has two rookie quarterbacks rostered: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Both look to compete for snaps this season and deserve the opportunity. It makes sense for Atlanta to get the veteran off their roster, but Cleveland might not be the place for the 36-year-old.
For Ravens fans, this mock trade should be music to their ears. If this deal were made, the Browns front office would continue to raise eyebrows. It’d be another foolish move for a veteran quarterback that would block their young guys from developing. It ended poorly during the Baker Mayfield era, and if they don't learn from that mistake, they'll remain in the shadow of the AFC North.
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