Joe Flacco signs with Cleveland Browns, leaving Kirk Cousins in dire straits

In early April 2025, the Cleveland Browns made the significant decision to re-sign veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to a one-year deal, following his recognition as the league's Comeback Player of the Year in 2023. Flacco, who impressed during his previous season with the Browns, led them to their first playoff appearance in 2023 since their return in 1999. The Browns, confronted with uncertainty at the quarterback position due to Deshaun Watson's recovery from a major injury, sought a reliable option in Flacco. This move effectively closed the door on the possibility of acquiring Kirk Cousins, who had expressed a desire to be traded from the Atlanta Falcons in search of a starting role in 2025. The Falcons, committed to their second-year quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., no longer viewed Cousins as a viable trade candidate. With Flacco’s return, the Browns also welcomed Kenny Pickett to their quarterback room, complicating Cousins’ hope for a fresh start. Cousins had previously seemed like a fitting candidate for the Browns, especially given Coach Kevin Stefanski's familiarity with him. However, the signing of Flacco introduced new dynamics into the Browns' quarterback situation. The team had previously opted not to re-sign Flacco after a successful 2023 season, instead sticking with the high-risk option of Deshaun Watson that hasn’t paid off as expected. This statement from owner Jimmy Haslam indicated that the Browns felt trapped due to their investment in Watson, which now appears to be a costly mistake. Cleveland holds the second overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and has expressed interest in adding talent to their roster, but they need to navigate the complications brought on by their current quarterback situation. With Flacco and Pickett onboard, the Browns have placed themselves in a position to evaluate what their roster requires while mitigating their financial exposure with quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Cousins faces an uncertain future in Atlanta, with diminishing prospects of starting anywhere significant in the upcoming season due to the decisions made by the Browns.