Dan Orlovsky sees Kirk Cousins as Deshaun Watson’s successor at Browns, wants the team to draft Travis Hunter

Kirk Cousins is one name that continues to be linked with the Cleveland Browns. The veteran quarterback is under contract with the Atlanta Falcons until 2028, but he lost the starting quarterback job to rookie Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons’ head coach Raheem Morris recently said during the NFL owners’ meeting that it’s mutually beneficial for Cousins to find a starting place on a team.

This is not a thing where we’re holding you back if the opportunity presents itself. If it’s [trade] something that’s good for both of us, it’s good for the Falcons and Kirk Cousins… We certainly would like to see that happen.

Raheem Morris said (H/T: Pro Football Talk)

Cousins was in Cleveland last month. The news sent shockwaves throughout the NFL. Many began to believe that he was in town to meet with the Browns, but in reality, he was only passing by.

Recently, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky suggested that the Browns should trade for Kirk Cousins.

I think Kirk Cousins will eventually be with the Cleveland Browns.

Dan Orlovsky said on Thursday’s segment of the Pat McAfee Show

"I think Kirk Cousins will eventually be with the Cleveland Browns..

If I were the Browns and I was getting Cousins I would draft Travis Hunter at number two"@danorlovsky7 #PMSLIve pic.twitter.com/dJL36gp5aw

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 3, 2025

After trading for Kirk Cousins, Dan Orlovsky wants the Browns to draft Travis Hunter

The Browns need quality additions at several positions on the roster, but the order of the hour is a quarterback. Deshaun Watson turned out to be a ‘swing and a miss’ for Jimmy and Dee Haslam’s team, as the $230 million man suffered another injury in January 2025. Watson is likely to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign. So, the Browns desperately need a quarterback.

Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry traded for former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett, who was part of the Super Bowl LIX-winning Eagles team last season. However, they are in the market for another quarterback.

Orlovsky claimed Kirk Cousins fits the Browns well. Trading for the 4x Pro Bowler will allow them to focus on a receiver, and the best WR in this year’s draft is none other than Travis Hunter.

If Kirk Cousins becomes their starting quarterback, I would take Travis Hunter at [No. 2]. If I was dead set on not taking a quarterback and I was getting Cousins. I’ve got a chance now.

Dan Orlovsky said

Hunter not only has a safe pair of hands, but he’s also capable of playing defensive back. While playing for the Colorado Buffaloes, the former five-star recruit made 32 combined tackles and caught 4 picks and 11 forced fumbles. Hunter wants to play both ways for the NFL team that will draft him.

They say nobody has ever done it for real the way I do it, but I tell them I’m just different. I’m a different person.

Travis Hunter said via Detroit Free Press

Cousins and Hunter may be the missing piece the Browns need

The Browns roster hasn’t changed much since their playoff run in 2023. That year, they relied on the experience of Joe Flacco after Watson injured himself. Cousins can have a similar effect to Flacco.

Cousins will have one advantage. Last year Jerry Jeudy went off despite the constant changes in the QB slot. Jeudy caught 90 passes for 1229 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. The combination of Jeudy and Hunter will be electric, and Cousins can feed them deep balls all year long.

Moreover, in defense, Hunter will have the privilege of learning from the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, and former first-round cornerback Greg Newsome II, who had a career year, recording 19 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 14 pass deflections in 13 games.

[The Cleveland Browns] still [have] a talented roster, [and Kevin] Stefanski is still a very good coach. Travis Hunter would play wide receiver for me.

Dan Orlovsky said

The Browns may be silent for now, but even they know if anyone can get the best out of Kirk Cousins, then it’s Stefanski. In 2019, Stefanski was the offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings when Cousins recorded 307 completions (69.1% completion rate) for 3603 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions. The Vikings finished 10-5 and after Stefanski left to manage the Browns, Cousins only won 10 games (2022) once in the NFL.

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