The buzz surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ potential signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers has set the stage for a pivotal offseason in the Steel City. However, behind the scenes, there’s a contingency plan in play, just in case things don’t go as expected.
During a recent segment on SportsCenter, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shed some light on the Steelers’ quarterback situation, mentioning that Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is “at the very least” on Pittsburgh’s radar. This interest isn’t new; the Steelers had previously explored the possibility of acquiring Cousins earlier this offseason after he lost his starting role to rookie sensation Michael Penix Jr. late in the 2024 campaign.
Cousins’ situation has been in flux as well. Just last month, reports surfaced indicating that the Falcons were engaged in trade discussions with several teams. However, Atlanta’s asking price for Cousins has been significant, requiring potential trade partners to take on a hearty portion of his contract—around $20 million of the remaining $37.5 million guaranteed. But as Fowler noted, the Falcons might be softening their stance, making it conceivable that a deal could happen if this asking price becomes more palatable.
According to Fowler, a source suggested that if the Falcons were willing to reduce their demands to around $7 or $8 million of the guaranteed money, negotiations could gain traction quickly. That certainly opens the door for the Steelers to rethink their options should Rodgers not end up in Pittsburgh.
Looking at Cousins’ resume, he’s a seasoned veteran with a collection of accolades to his name—four Pro Bowls and 163 career starts, including four in the postseason. Last season, Cousins showcased some of his best play yet in Atlanta before a season-ending injury cut his campaign short after just eight games.
While his numbers were respectable in his first year with the Falcons, they were marred by a league-high 16 turnovers, primarily due to his struggles with ball security. Cousins has explained that injuries—two occurring during a Week 10 clash against the New Orleans Saints—played a part in his season’s challenges.
As things stand, the likeliest scenario still points to Rodgers joining the Steelers. For now, the quarterback room in Pittsburgh features veterans Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard. But if Rodgers opts for a different destination, it’s clear that the Steelers have a backup plan in place that could see them pursuing a proven quarterback like Cousins. The coming weeks will be essential for both the Steelers and their pursuit of solidifying their quarterback situation for the 2025 season.
