The Pittsburgh Steelers are still left in limbo when it comes to their quarterback situation, with veteran Aaron Rodgers continuing to keep the team on edge.
Despite their hopes, the Steelers remain without a clear frontrunner for the role heading into the 2025 season.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who were the Steelers’ top two quarterbacks for 2024, have both signed with other teams. Wilson has joined the New York Giants, while Fields is heading to the New York Jets.
To fill the gap, the Steelers have re-signed Mason Rudolph, who struggled during a tough 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans. Additionally, former Miami Dolphins backup Skylar Thompson has joined the team, adding more depth to the quarterback room.
As the Steelers await Rodgersā decision, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the 41-year-old quarterback could potentially take the 2025 season off. Rodgers, who met with Pittsburgh on March 21, has yet to announce his intentions for next year.
If Rodgers decides to pass on Pittsburgh, the Steelers will shift their attention to veteran Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Pittsburgh will “likely be interested” in pursuing Cousins if they’re not able to land Rodgers.
The 36-year-old Cousins lost his starting job in Atlanta to rookie Michael Penix Jr. after starting the first 14 games of the 2024 season. Despite posting a 7-7 record in those starts, Cousinsā struggles with turnovers became a consistent issue.
Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract prior to last season, was unaware that the Falcons planned to select a quarterback in the draft – let alone one in the first round.
Now, with Penix Jr. taking over the starting job, Cousins could be on the move – potentially to Pittsburgh.
Cabot also reported that Atlanta could look to trade Cousins before June 1, with the potential trade carrying a $12.5 million dead cap hit in 2025, compared to a much larger $37.5 million hit if a deal is made before then.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have bolstered their receiving corps by acquiring star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf on March 9.
Metcalfās arrival is seen as a crucial move to help improve the Steelers’ passing attack, which ranked 26th in the league in passing yards last season.
Speaking of Metcalf, he and Rodgers are already getting to know each other and had a workout at UCLA over the weekend, further fueling speculation that Rodgers-to-Pittsburgh is a foregone conclusion.
As Pittsburgh waits for Rodgersā official decision, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position continues to cast a shadow over their plans for next season.
What are your thoughts on Cousins being the Steelers’ backup plan if they’re not able to land Rodgers???
