Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Jacoby Brissett

Wednesday, February 26, 11:57 PM

ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that trading quarterback Kirk Cousins before March 17 is the best course of action for the Atlanta Falcons from a salary cap standpoint. However, it might be tough for the Falcons to find a trade partner willing to take on $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025 and $10 million next year after Cousins was benched after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2024. The Falcons would absorb $37.5 million in dead money on their 2025 camp if they trade him. If they release him outright before March 17, they'd take on $65 million in dead money this year. If they release him before March 17 as a post-June 1 cut, they'd take on $40 million in dead money this year and $25 million in 2026. The 36-year-old didn't look great coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and also dealt with a right-shoulder injury in 2024. It remains to be seen if a QB-needy team will be desperate enough to trade for Cousins.

Sunday, October 27, 11:06 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett relieved rookie Drake Maye (head) during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. He finished the first half and was eventually declared the quarterback for the second half, too, after Maye was downgraded to out. Brissett finished Week 8 having completed 15 of 24 passes for 132 yards, plus one sack and 11 rushing yards. He failed to score a touchdown, but more importantly, he played turnover-free football and led an efficient game-winning drive near the end of the fourth quarter. In the event that Maye enters concussion protocol and misses Week 9 against the Titans, Brissett would temporarily return to the starting quarterback role. He's still off the fantasy radar in most leagues.