He has lived up to that reputation thus far, and both Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold now have the pay stubs to prove it.Darnold agreed to a three-year, $100.5M contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.

“Thus, Atlanta’s position here is that they’d rather pay $100 million for two years, and have quarterback insurance behind Michael Penix Jr., than just take the $90 million sunk cost for Cousins’s lost season of 2025, and sign someone else as a backup,” Breer continued. “So we have a standoff.”

Cousins was linked with the Browns almost immediately after the Falcons turned to Michael Penix Jr., as he had Cleveland HC Kevin Stefanski as a QBs coach and OC when the two were previously with the Vikings.

The Cleveland Browns continue their pursuit of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. After acquiring Philadelphia Eagles gunslinger Kenny Pickett, the Browns are now in a slightly different position with their quarterback group.

Browns roster added a QB but needs a starter, Kirk Cousins rumors don’t matter if the Falcons don’t release him

The QB carousel has been spinning the last week, but Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is still watching from the sidelines.