The Cleveland Browns head into the NFL offseason with question marks at quarterback despite a hefty bill for Deshaun Watson's contract. With the Browns season nearing an end, Cleveland is being linked to potential veteran quarterback options with Watson's tenure with the franchise not going as the team originally hoped.
Back in Oct., Watson underwent season-ending surgery to repair an Achilles injury. Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reported that Watson's recovery timeline is about nine months, which would potentially make the quarterback available by training camp.
Yet, the Browns would be wise to explore alternative options. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi reported that Watson is expected to be back with Cleveland next season while adding that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins could be an option the franchise explores.
"Browns team sources acknowledge it is safe to assume Watson will be back with the team in some capacity in 2025, but also caution it's 'too early' to make sweeping determinations," Fowler and Oyefusi wrote on Thursday. "They also acknowledge Watson's injury history 'has to' be a factor in its plan going forward, and status quo in the quarterback room isn't an option given the tumult of this season.
"One team source said 'any veteran with starter's talent' will be evaluated by the Browns, including current Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins, should he become available as expected."
Prior to becoming the Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski was a longtime assistant for the Minnesota Vikings and has familiarity with Cousins. The four-time Pro Bowler's four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta is slated to run through the 2027 season.
Yet, Cousins is a candidate to be released by the Falcons this offseason after the team opted to bench the veteran in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. The Browns may be able to sign Cousins on a more team-friendly deal if the quarterback is released.
"Some around the league have noted that Cousins, benched by the Falcons in Week 16, once played for Stefanski in Minnesota and could be available on the cheap this offseason.," Fowler and Oyefusi added. "Atlanta owes Cousins $27.5 million in guarantees and is expected to cut him before a $10 million roster bonus is due in March.
"Cousins had one of his best NFL seasons under Stefanski's playcalling in 2019, with a 69.1 completion percentage and 26 touchdowns to six interceptions."
