Kirk Cousins Injury History & Analysis

The Browns and QB Deshaun Watson agreed to a restructured contract that will have him back with the team in 2025. Watson did not give up any of his remaining $92 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and didn't have his 2025 cap hit adjusted. But the new deal softens Watson's cap hits beyond next season, particularly starting in 2027. In other words, the Browns know they're stuck with Watson in 2025 and likely 2026 but are already putting in place a plan to eventually move on. Rapoport adds that Cleveland is expected to bring in competition for Watson this offseason, with QB Kirk Cousins a potential candidate. Cousins played under Browns HC Kevin Stefanski for two seasons in Minnesota. A Watson/Cousins QB room would not inspire much confidence.

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before a $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Cousins' contract includes a no-trade clause, and he'd reportedly wield it after Atlanta surprised Cousins by using the eighth overall pick of the draft on QB Michael Penix after signing Cousins to a big deal. Cousins played like a 36-year-old coming off an Achilles injury for much of this season, tossing a career-high 16 INTs. That said, there will be plenty of teams looking to upgrade at QB this offseason, and the rookie class is relatively weak. That gives Cousins a reasonable chance to open the 2025 season with a starting job. He's worth keeping stashed in 2-QB and Superflex dynasty leagues.

The Falcons are benching QB Kirk Cousins and going to QB Michael Penix, according to both NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter. Atlanta stuck with Cousins for too long, losing four of the last five and falling out of first place in the NFC South. They beat the Raiders on Monday night in spite of Cousins, who completed just 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one TD, and one INT. Penix obviously lacks Cousins' experience but should prove to be a big upgrade in terms of arm talent. We'd still expect the Falcons to be a run-heavy offense going forward, especially as big favorites over the Giants this weekend.