Browns Not Interested In Absorbing Kirk Cousins' Current Contract

Recent reports strongly suggest that Kirk Cousins' future with the Atlanta Falcons is up in the air as the Cleveland Browns have backed away from absorbing any portion of his hefty $180 million contract. This revelation, shared by D. Orlando Ledbetter on Cleveland’s 92.3 "The Fan," hints at a complex financial and strategic quagmire surrounding Cousins’ status in the league.

Falcons' Financial Burden and Cousins’ No-Trade Clause

Cousins' request to be "cut loose" adds another wrinkle to the situation. Despite this, a trade to Cleveland would require the Falcons to shoulder most of the financial weight associated with Cousins' contract. To complicate matters further, the seasoned quarterback holds a no-trade clause, which grants him the final say on any potential move.

The Falcons have publicly stated their intention to retain Cousins as a high-paid backup—a surprising decision that raises eyebrows. However, recent developments suggest the team is willing to entertain trade offers if the terms make sense. Yet, finding a willing trade partner is proving to be an uphill battle. Most NFL teams perceive Cousins as "untradeable," given the burdensome nature of his contract and the adjustments required to make a deal viable.

If a trade does materialize, timing will play a critical role. The offseason, particularly the summer months of NFL Training Camp, offers a window of opportunity for a desperate team to make a move—especially if an unforeseen injury creates an urgent need for a veteran quarterback. However, Cousins would likely need to significantly restructure his contract or make concessions to facilitate a trade.

In the meantime, Cousins faces the prospect of spending the upcoming season on the bench—a challenging scenario for a player of his caliber. If he stays on the roster without a viable trade, the quarterback’s lucrative contract may become a point of regret.

Cleveland Browns Closing the Door

For now, the Cleveland Browns are no longer in the picture. Despite rumors of Cousins being spotted in the area, the team has opted not to pursue the quarterback. Whether this decision signals a definitive end to the speculation or merely a pause in the discussion remains to be seen. For Cousins, the road ahead is uncertain, as he navigates his options and the challenges of his current situation.

In short, while the Browns have stepped aside, the narrative surrounding Kirk Cousins is far from over. How this saga unfolds will depend on financial compromise, timing, and the ever-unpredictable nature of the NFL landscape.