NFL free agency is in full swing, and the Atlanta Falcons have given their fans a frustrating first 24 hours. After cutting longtime fan favorite Grady Jarrett, the Falcons let top free agent Drew Dalman sign with the Bears. As of now, the only free agent signing of note for Atlanta has been acquiring linebacker Divine Deablo on a two-year deal.
As it has been since the end of the 2024 season, all eyes are on Kirk Cousins. The Falcons are seemingly committed to Michael Penix Jr. as their franchise quarterback going forward. However, Cousins' contract complicates matters as teams around the league are understandably hesitant to trade for a 36-year-old quarterback in decline.
The Falcons have been claiming so far that they are willing to hold onto Cousins as a backup QB behind Penix. Yet, no one around the league seems to believe that, especially considering the reports of Cousins trying to push his way out of Atlanta.
NFL Rumors: Kirk Cousins Headed to Cleveland Over the Next Few Days
The presumed top suitor for Cousins has been the Cleveland Browns. Even though they traded for Kenny Pickett on Monday, the Browns are reportedly still interested in Cousins. In fact, The Athletic's Zac Jackson said on 92.3 The Fan on Tuesday that the Browns will probably have Cousins "by the weekend."
It's noteworthy that Jackson didn't report that a trade was incoming. The fact that he said the Browns will "have" Cousins suggests that there is an expectation that the Falcons will be cutting him over the next few days.
With a ton of teams around the league making their QB moves -- Seattle signing Sam Darnold, Jets signing Justin Fields, Colts signing Daniel Jones -- the options for Cousins are dwindling.
It increasingly feels like it will be Cleveland or bust for Cousins. According to Jackson, one of the most prominent Browns insiders, Cousins is about to get his wish soon. Whether that proves to be the case remains to be seen.