The Cleveland Browns are at a pivotal moment as they reassess their quarterback situation this offseason. The clear path would be to draft a new signal-caller with their second overall pick, possibly selecting Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. However, there is a growing sentiment that they may opt for a veteran solution instead, potentially turning to Kirk Cousins as a one-year bridge quarterback.

With Cousins' contract situation with the Atlanta Falcons uncertain after a challenging 2024 season, the Browns could view him as a viable mentor for a rookie quarterback. By signing Cousins to a more affordable deal and possibly trading down from the second pick, they could accumulate further assets while still addressing their long-term need under center.

The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crucial juncture as they assess their quarterback situation heading into 2025. With Sam Darnold likely on the outs, the team is contemplating its options amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah emphasizes 'optionality,' suggesting a potential franchise tag-and-trade scenario could be in play. Meanwhile, head coach Kevin O'Connell expresses pride in Darnold's progress, hinting at positive developments for the young QB's future.

In stark contrast, the Atlanta Falcons, who signed Kirk Cousins in 2024, face a dire predicament with Cousins' hefty contract looming. Despite assurances from GM Terry Fontenot about keeping Cousins, the reality suggests a costly backup role to Michael Penix Jr. might be unavoidable. The clock is ticking for Atlanta, as Cousins' performance fell sharply in the latter half of the last season, raising questions about his viability as a starter moving forward.

The Minnesota Vikings have made a strategic move by hiring Keith Carter as their new assistant offensive line coach, succeeding Shaun Sarrett, who left for a promotion with the Jaguars. Carter's previous coaching stints with the Jets and Titans saw mixed reviews from players, including criticism from Taylor Lewan. However, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is optimistic about Carter's potential to enhance the team's struggling run game, which ranked 23rd in yards per carry last season. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons plan to retain quarterback Kirk Cousins, despite concerns over his past performance and injury issues last season, as they prepare for the upcoming year with rookie Michael Penix Jr. expected to take the lead.

The Atlanta Falcons' management expressed surprise upon learning that quarterback Kirk Cousins was dealing with injuries during the latter part of the 2024 season. Cousins revealed during Super Bowl week that he sustained a right shoulder and elbow injury in a Week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints, which hindered his performance thereafter. Despite being listed on the injury report for one week, Falcons' GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris insisted they were unaware of the extent of Cousins' issues.

After Week 10, Cousins struggled significantly, with a troubling ratio of nine interceptions to just one touchdown in the following five games. Ultimately, he was benched in Week 16 in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Fontenot indicated that while the team anticipated Cousins to be the starter when they signed him to a considerable deal, the current plan is for him to serve as Penix's backup moving forward. The financial implications of any potential decision regarding Cousins' contract, including a hefty dead money hit if released, suggest that Atlanta is leaning toward exploring trade options.