NFL rumors: Browns predicted to give $2 million to sign $180,000,000 Kirk Cousins in free agency

On paper, Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons were the perfect partnership. The quarterback's gunslinging playing style and the team's stellar but underutilized receiving corps were a match made in heaven. However, it didn't pan out as expected.

Cousins, returning from a season-ending Achilles injury, played poorly and was benched after his dismal performance in the Falcons' narrow 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The team handed over the reins to rookie Michael Penix Jr., who is expected to be the franchise's starting quarterback next season.

Given Tua Tagovailoa and Deshaun Watson's injury histories, the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns are seemingly the best options for Cousins. The latter is exactly where CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin believes the veteran will land.

In his quarterback market predictions for the 2025 offseason, he predicted that Cousins would sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Browns and become their new No.2 behind Watson.

Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the franchise in the 2024 offseason, will likely be released and allowed to sign elsewhere as a free agent. Given his age, injury history and performance last season, it's difficult to envision a team wanting the 36-year-old as a starting quarterback.

However, he has the experience and the skill to be a terrific backup option, which is likely what he will be in 2025. Several teams would line up to have Cousins as their No. 2, but the veteran will pick a roster where he could get the starting role midway through the season.

---

Browns depth chart: How Kirk Cousins would fit on the team

The Browns came into the 2024 season with Deshaun Watson as the starter, Jameis Winston as the backup and Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the third choice. All three started multiple games for the team but none performed exceptionally well.

Watson started seven games and threw for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. Browns fans weren't pleased with his performance and many demanded that he be benched. He was sidelined, but not due to his poor play. He suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in his team's 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

After he went down, Winston stepped in and played the next seven games. While the offensive production ticked upward with the veteran under center, his patented carelessness with the ball was a massive issue. He threw for 2,122 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in eight games before suffering a shoulder injury that ended his campaign.

Injuries to Watson and Winston gave Thompson-Robinson more opportunities than a third-stringer usually gets. He had several chances to cement his spot on the roster for the 2025 season. However, his performance did more harm than good to his odds of staying employed. He finished the year with 440 passing yards, six interceptions and no passing touchdowns.

The Browns finished the season 3-14, their lowest win total since they went 0-16 in 2017. They could have won a few more games with between quarterback play and it's evident they need an upgrade in that department. They are reportedly sticking with Watson as the starter, while Winston is expected to leave.

The Browns now know Thompson-Robinson is not the answer if Watson suffers an injury, gets suspended or plays poorly. They will look to add a veteran quarterback who could step in and lead the offense and Kirk Cousins will be on the list of players they consider.