Why the Bengals Shouldn’t Mortgage Their Future for Kirk Cousins
The Cincinnati Bengals looked lost without Joe Burrow in their first game since the star quarterback underwent toe surgery. The offense sputtered, receivers grew frustrated, and backup Jake Browning couldn’t keep the chains moving. Naturally, the idea of adding a veteran quarterback is being floated.
The hottest name? Kirk Cousins.
On paper, it’s easy to understand the connection. The Falcons are open to trading Cousins, and Cincinnati has the kind of roster that still believes it can compete in the AFC. But let’s be clear: trading a second-round pick for Cousins would be a mistake the Bengals can’t afford to make.
Cousins’ Decline is Real
Cousins is 37 years old and just a year removed from an Achilles tear. His play has slipped badly, as evidenced by his 47 QBR last season — well below Browning’s 60.8 in 2023. There’s no guarantee Cousins, dropped midseason into a new system, would even be an upgrade over the Bengals’ current backup.
The Money Problem
Cousins is also expensive. He’s owed $27.5 million in cash this season, plus a staggering $70 million combined in 2026 and 2027. The Falcons won’t eat all of that salary, meaning Cincinnati would be inheriting a heavy financial burden for a quarterback with questionable upside.
The Draft Capital Question
Even worse, Atlanta is reportedly seeking a “premium” draft pick in return. Surrendering a second-rounder for a short-term rental makes little sense for a franchise that needs to keep replenishing young talent around Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins (assuming he’s re-signed). At best, Cousins is worth a Day 3 pick if Atlanta is willing to offload most of his contract.
The Reality
The Bengals have one path forward: ride it out with Browning, tailor the offense to his strengths, and lean on their defense until Burrow is healthy again. Trading away premium draft capital and taking on an aging, expensive quarterback isn’t the solution.
Yes, Cincinnati looked bad without Joe Burrow. But mortgaging the future for Kirk Cousins would make things worse, not better.
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