Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Jacoby Brissett

Monday, February 10, 6:32 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that the Cleveland Browns might only be able to afford players like the Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins or Minnesota Vikings' Daniel Jones as their bridge quarterback this offseason. According to Over the Cap, Cleveland is projected to be $38.6 million over the 2025 salary cap, but the next anticipated restructure of QB Deshaun Watson's contract will clear up around $36 million in cap space. The status of QBs Derek Carr, Geno Smith and Russell Wilson will dictate how expensive Cousins and Jones will be this offseason. Cousins isn't a free agent, but the Atlanta Falcons probably will find it hard to trade him because of the $10 million roster bonus he's due after the start of the new league year. Cousins has familiarity with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski from their days with the Vikings. The Browns are expected to draft a QB at No. 2 overall this year, but Cousins could make sense as a bridge starter if he becomes a free agent.

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.