1. Cleveland Browns
As a reminder, the Cleveland Browns fumbled Baker Mayfield all for wanting an "adult" at the quarterback position. Whether or not there is truth to this can be debated, what can't is the fact you pushed out Mayfield in favor of Deshaun Watson. It seems fitting it goes down as arguably the worst deal in NFL history.
Watson's most recent injury now has his 2025 status very much in question. Even if he were able to return at some point during the season it is hard to believe the team isn't going to attempt to make an upgrade. It was only a season ago the Browns made the playoffs with Joe Flacco at the helm. Even Jameis Winston was able to pull off a surprise upset early in the season. The only consistent truth for the Browns is not winning games with Watson under center.
Perhaps the Falcons could take advantage of Cleveland's desperation and talk them into signing up for Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback's deal could be escaped the following season with only one year of Deshaun Watson remaining. The Browns could view the move as simply taking a risk knowing they can completely reset the position in a season. It's at least worth picking up the phone and putting it on the table.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders set former head coach Antonio Pierce up for failure and still didn't hesitate to clean house at the end of the season. Aside from feeling for Pierce, it is yet another sign of how poorly this team is run. The same team that was starting Desmond Ridder at the end of the season due to a complete lack of other options. Gardner Minshew was the team's starter and now there is nothing but question marks at the position.
Las Vegas played too well at the end of the season and pushed themselves out of reach of the top quarterback in this year's draft. A move up in the draft or adding a veteran quarterback are the team's options. It would seem that Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, and Sam Darnold will be the top names on the market.
All three come with huge concerns teams must talk themselves into. For Atlanta, you're looking to give Cousins a chance to start preferably in the AFC. Putting Cousins in the same division as the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs doesn't set the quarterback up to put his career back on track. However, it may be Atlanta's only viable option.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
You can count on the Pittsburgh Steelers to have a winning season and find a first-round exit in the playoffs. The way the Steelers ended their 2024 season leaves room to doubt if the team is going to bring back starter Russell Wilson. Justin Fields remains a fun wrinkle but not a quarterback you want to start for a full season. If the Steelers move off Wilson could they talk themselves into adding Kirk Cousins?
Drafting a young quarterback and bringing in Cousins as the Falcons did this past season could be a viable path. Much like the Raiders, you're in a loaded division with the Ravens and Bengals both feeling far more excited for 2025 than your fanbase. If Cincy can remember to show up in the first month of the season you're the third best team in your own division.
There is no argument that Wilson or Fields aren't far behind Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. Kirk Cousins even at his best isn't touching these starters either but at least it is a bit closer. Arthur Smith attempting to save the career of Cousins would be an interesting Atlanta wrinkle and give Cousins a solid roster to work with.
