Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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NFL Free Agency Rumors: Kirk Cousins could join the Browns

Kirk Cousins to Browns? NFL free agency buzz

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns may explore significant changes at quarterback this offseason. Deshaun Watson, despite his high-profile acquisition, is no longer viewed as the ideal long-term solution. With the 2025 season on the horizon, speculation about his replacement is heating up.

Among potential targets, names like Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, and Justin Fields have surfaced, along with top NFL Draft prospects. Former NFL general manager and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum made a bold prediction about Cleveland’s quarterback plans. He stated that Cousins might sign with the Browns and lead them to an AFC North division title in 2025.

“Kirk Cousins will join the Browns next season and lead them to win the AFC North,” Tannenbaum said on First Take.

Cousins’ potential rebound?

Cousins had a challenging 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, culminating in his benching late in the year. Over 14 games, he recorded 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, completing 66.9% of his throws. Turnovers were a glaring issue, but his proven track record suggests he could bounce back.

.@RealTannenbaum thinks Kirk Cousins will join the Browns next season and lead them to win the AFC North 👀 pic.twitter.com/fNFq44eunU
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 1, 2025

At 36, Cousins wouldn’t be a long-term fix for Cleveland. However, he could stabilize the quarterback position for two or three seasons while the team evaluates its future options. With Watson’s massive contract weighing down the salary cap, Cousins might provide a cost-effective bridge solution.

Vikings expected to franchise tag Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings may not let Sam Darnold walk after his breakout season. Signed as a one-year placeholder for rookie J.J. McCarthy, Darnold exceeded expectations, entering the MVP race and keeping Minnesota in contention for the NFC’s top seed.

According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the Vikings are “open-minded about bringing him back for 2025” and view the franchise tag as the most likely option. While Darnold may prefer a long-term deal, a one-year tag worth roughly $40 million keeps his future tied to Minnesota.

Let’s have the conversation.

Sam Darnold will be a free agent. He is 27. He may have needed a few years but as an #NFL QB he seems to have arrived.

If the #Jets are truly moving on from Aaron Rodgers…..

Renaissance Sam?

pic.twitter.com/myRxZPKh9f
— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) December 9, 2024

If tagged, Darnold has another season to solidify his value. A strong 2025 campaign could earn him a massive contract in free agency.

Tee Higgins’ future in Cincinnati uncertain

Wide receiver Tee Higgins might be too expensive for the Bengals to retain. Despite missing five games in 2024, Higgins posted 69 receptions and 10 touchdowns, proving his value as a top-tier target.

Cincinnati, however, faces financial constraints. With quarterback Joe Burrow already extended and Ja’Marr Chase likely next in line for a record-breaking deal, keeping Higgins long-term may not be feasible. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Higgins’ strong finish to the season could price him out of Cincinnati.

A franchise tag and trade scenario could emerge, with the Los Angeles Chargers rumored as a potential landing spot. For now, the Bengals must decide whether Higgins’ talent is worth the cost amid their other roster needs.

D.J. Reed ready to leave the Jets

New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed has made his intentions clear: he wants out.

“I’m ready to go to free agency, bro,” Reed told Tyler Dunne of Go Long.

What are your thoughts on DJ Reed comments after the game❓#Jets pic.twitter.com/sGrkEmy5ne
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) December 29, 2024

The Jets, plagued by a disastrous 2024 season, have already fired their head coach and general manager. Reed, a standout in the secondary, will likely attract significant interest in free agency. The Arizona Cardinals are an early favorite to land him, offering the chance to anchor their defense as they rebuild.

Image: Imagn Imges

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Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins could join the Browns in 2025

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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