Kirk Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons is uncertain, and rumors of a potential trade to the Cleveland Browns are flying. Speculation ramped up after the quarterback was spotted in Cleveland, leading internet sleuths to suggest he may have been there for a physical examination.
Internet Tries To Decode Kirk Cousins’ Cleveland Visit
Cousins is in a unique spot heading into the 2025 season. After tearing his Achilles in 2023, many questioned his future, but the Falcons signed him to a four-year, $180 million deal, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. However, his first season in Atlanta didn’t go as planned.
With the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins was always seen as a temporary solution. But few expected a potential transition this soon. Now set to be a backup, trade rumors are swirling—fueled even more by his recent visit to Cleveland.
Cousins was photographed at a Chipotle in the suburb of Westlake and later at another restaurant in Avon, Ohio, just hours apart on Thursday, March 27.
An X user, “JeremyinAkron,” broke down the visit in a post, suggesting Cousins might have met with Browns team doctor James Voos, whose office is “roughly a mile from the Chipotle.” The theory is that the Browns wanted to check Cousins’ medical status before engaging in trade talks.
Dr. Voos’ office is indeed minutes from the restaurant, so a medical visit is possible. However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry denied the speculation, saying Cousins’ visit had “nothing to do with the Browns,” per Mary Kay Cabot.
The Browns have been floated as a trade partner for the Falcons due to their quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles twice in three months last season—the latest in January 2025—and his availability for the upcoming season remains uncertain.
Cleveland’s draft situation only complicates matters. Deion Sanders has stated that his son, Shedeur Sanders—a potential top-two quarterback in the draft—won’t “play for just any team.” Many believe this was aimed at the Browns, given their struggles over the past 25 years, although Coach Prime has been careful not to hurt his son’s stock with unnecessary comments.
As a result, Cleveland is in a tough spot heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Recent reports suggest the team may shift its focus to linebacker Abdul Carter, one of the draft’s top defensive prospects. That move could persuade Cousins to waive his no-trade clause.
For Browns fans who haven’t seen stable quarterback play in seemingly forever, adding Cousins could provide a much-needed boost. In 2022, the team showed that solid quarterback play was enough to let its defense carry it to the playoffs.
And at 36, there’s always a chance Cousins has one last strong season left in him.
“And at 36, there’s always a chance Cousins has one last strong season left in him.” Seriously? Like 36 years old is OLD nowadays for an NFL quarterback. Sheesh. Kirk didn’t enter the league until he was 24. He then became a starter at 27 so he’s only been a starter for TEN years. Compare that to Stafford who is six months older than Kirk and has been a starter for 17 years. Kirk has FAR less wear and tear than other quarterbacks his age. Add to that, he does all of the things healthwise that Brady did and then takes it a step further. It’s funny how the media has forgotten how Kirk was coming back from serious injury AND hurt his throwing shoulder and elbow during the last part of the season.
Kirk is definitely not gonna meet with another team’s doctor while he’s still with the Falcons. Far more likely is that Kirk wanted to take a road trip (which he loves to do) and decided to just drive around Ohio to check it out.