Kirk Cousins is in a unique spot heading into the 2025 season. After his Achilles tear in 2023, many were unsure about his future, but the Atlanta Falcons gave him a big four-year deal, making him one of the highest-earning NFL players in history. However, his season didn’t go as planned.
With the Falcons drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins was always viewed as a temporary solution. But few expected the switch to happen before the season ended. Now, set to be a backup, rumors of a trade keep swirling. Cousins may have even dropped a major hint about his next destination.
Kirk Cousins in Cleveland: Coincidence or Confirmation?
Several teams that need a quarterback stayed out of the offseason QB carousel, leaving them without a clear starter. The Cleveland Browns, despite holding the second-overall pick, are at the top of that list and remain uncertain about their choice.
This has led to plenty of speculation about the Browns potentially adding Cousins. One fan recently spotted the former Minnesota Viking at a Chipotle near Cleveland and shared a photo.
“Kirk Cousins currently at Westlake Chipotle #Browns,” the fan captioned the picture. While some questioned the image’s authenticity, Cousins confirmed it, replying, “Salad with double chicken never fails me.”
Salad with double chicken never fails me
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) March 27, 2025
Fans quickly speculated on what this could mean. However, NFL insider Ian Rapoport humorously clarified, “Not NFL-related, by the way. But solid lunch choice.”
Not NFL-related, by the way. But solid lunch choice. https://t.co/6DZTVkEwLH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2025
Still, given Cleveland’s current quarterback situation, Browns fans may not be able to avoid thinking about Cousins, especially with his apparent city food tour continuing in the second half of the day.
A new picture emerged of the four-time Pro Bowler also stopping by City BBQ in Avon to enjoy dinner. Posing with a couple of workers and what appeared to be a Cleveland Browns fan, it is hard to ignore the coincidences.
🚨JUST IN: #Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins just stopped by the City BBQ in Cleveland for dinner tonight…
Kirk was at a local Cleveland Chipotle for Lunch earlier in the day.
👀
(@ajpolak93) pic.twitter.com/KS4kqLpeUh
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 28, 2025
Deion Sanders recently announced that his son, Shedeur Sanders, a potential top-two quarterback in the Draft, won’t play for just any team. Many believe this comment was aimed at the Browns, given their struggles over the past 25 years.
As a result, Cleveland is in a tricky spot heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Recent reports suggest the team may shift their focus to linebacker Abdul Carter, considered one of the Draft’s top talents.
However, if they take Carter, they’ll still be without a reliable quarterback, especially with Deshaun Watson out for the year due to injury. The Cousins-to-Cleveland rumors are picking up steam, and Atlanta may be looking for a trade partner.
The Falcons handed Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract just a year ago, so they’ll likely seek a significant return. Cousins had a down year in Atlanta, finishing 24th in the PFSN QB+ rankings, behind players like Aidan O’Connell. This ultimately led to the Falcons benching Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., especially after a rough four-week stretch where Cousins threw eight interceptions without a touchdown.
For Browns fans who haven’t seen stable quarterback play in nearly a decade, adding Cousins could be a much-needed boost. Back in 2022, the team proved that solid QB play was enough to let their defense carry them to the playoffs.
And at 36, there’s always a chance Cousins has one last strong season left in him.
