The Pittsburgh Steelers could find themselves at the center of a quarterback tug-of-war involving two high-profile names: Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins.
And while neither veteran passer is officially on the move, both are making their intentions increasingly loud – without saying much at all.
On Tuesday, the Atlanta Falcons kicked off their voluntary offseason team activities, but one notable name was absent: Kirk Cousins.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that the veteran quarterback was nowhere to be found.
“I did not see him today,” Morris said. “I didn’t go out to practice, but he didn’t show up in the meeting, so I did not see him today.”
Needless to say, Cousins’ absence is raising eyebrows.
Though the workouts are technically voluntary, Cousins – who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta just a year ago – now appears to be quietly pushing for a trade, following the team’s shocking decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of last year’s draft.
Cousins’ rumored frustration has put the Steelers on high alert, as they continue navigating their own uncertain quarterback situation.
Pittsburgh is reportedly still awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to make up his mind if he wants to continue playing.
The future Hall of Famer has dropped subtle clues about his intentions, strongly hinting that a move to the Steel City is in the works. But true to form, the enigmatic four-time MVP is taking his time – leaving the Steelers in limbo.
Amid this uncertainty, NFL Network host Rich Eisen raised a critical point, highlighting how the Steelers may be losing leverage in both quarterback sagas.
“If you feel (Rodgers is) just going to leave you at the altar, well, what that does is it puts you over a barrel in a negotiation to get somebody like Kirk Cousins,” Eisen said.
“The minute you lift the phone and call Terry Fontenot and ask, ‘What about Kirk Cousins,’ he knows you’re concerned about Rodgers not showing up … So, you’re over a barrel already.”
Eisen’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among some that Pittsburgh could be stuck between quarterbacks – each with their own baggage.
Rodgers, who insists he’s “not holding anybody hostage,” is nonetheless keeping multiple teams waiting while he sorts through personal commitments and contemplates his next move.
Meanwhile, Cousins’ OTA absence, whether a strategic move or just bad timing, adds fuel to the idea that he’s ready to move on from Atlanta – if the right opportunity arises.
As it stands, all three parties – Rodgers, Cousins, and the Steelers – are in a holding pattern. And as the offseason ticks on, Pittsburgh may be forced to make a defining move in a quarterback market filled with uncertainty, risk, and escalating stakes.
What are your thoughts on Cousins potentially being Plan B for the Steelers should their Rodgers pursuit fall apart???
