The Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, and the field of candidates is only getting narrower. The team seems to have its heart set on a veteran Aaron Rodgers, given how patiently the team is waiting for the quarterback's decision on his future. While Pittsburgh waits for Rodgers, other names have been thrown around, as well as the potential of drafting a quarterback. If the Steelers are as focused as they seem on landing a veteran, then, according to one NFL insider, they have already missed out on another potential signal-caller.
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Quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass in a game during his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
NFL insider James Palmer of Bleacher Report says that quarterback Kirk Cousins is no longer likely to be acquired by the Steelers. Palmer says that Cousins will seek to be traded after the 2025 NFL Draft, but that he is more likely to end up with the Steelers' AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns.
"The Steelers called and kicked the tires early, but my understanding is that Arthur Smith, being the former head coach in Atlanta, still knows plenty of people in that building and kind of got the word on where things are with Kirk in terms of his play and where he’s at in terms of his play as a quarterback," said Palmer. "The Steelers, obviously, have fallen off."
If the Steelers were interested in Cousins, they likely would have shown more interest in him and shown it sooner. In Pittsburgh, Cousins is seemingly an afterthought to Rodgers.
Ever since a torn Achilles in 2023, Cousins has been declining in value. While the Atlanta Falcons were willing to give Cousins another chance, it didn't last long. Last season, Cousins threw 18 touchdowns and racked up the most interceptions in the league at 16, tied only with Baker Mayfield. Although the Steelers' quarterback situation is dire, it may not be dire enough for Pittsburgh to make a play for Cousins.
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Should the Steelers sign a veteran quarterback, it will likely be a one-year contract, not a long-term solution to their problems. It may be that the Steelers will land a veteran and then draft a quarterback as well, giving the veteran a chance to start and letting the rookie have time to develop.
When speculating about who the Steelers could draft as a rookie, Jaxon Dart and Jalen Milroe are continually at the top of the list. Both would do well with time to develop behind a veteran, and right now, the Steelers seemingly feel that Rodgers is best for the job.
Cousins started for the Falcons to begin the 2024 campaign, despite the team drafting rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first-round last year. Penix eventually replaced Cousins for the starting position in Atlanta. It wasn't a performance that inspired confidence in Cousins' potential last season, and if anything, it signals that his time in the NFL is almost up. The Steelers are looking to break a playoff losing streak, a task that will require some major changes in the quarterback room. While any veteran signed by the team will likely be a short-term contract, Cousins would arguably only waste the Steelers' time.
Steelers And Cousins Were Likely Never The Best Fit To Begin With
Beyond speculation, there was never a huge amount of interest in Cousins as a candidate for the Steelers. All signs point to Pittsburgh waiting on Rodgers, and despite Rodgers' age and questionable value as a player, he may still be seen as a better alternative than Cousins. Both veterans are past their prime, however, Rodgers seems to offer the team more.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers meets with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin after a game in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers is a four-time league MVP and a Super Bowl Champion. In other words, he's achieved far more than Cousins ever has. The Steelers may hope that Rodgers can summon up enough skill for one more year that he can end the team's playoff win drought and give them time to develop a young quarterback such as Dart or Milroe.
Do you think the Steelers are missing out by not getting Cousins? Do you think Cousins will be dealt to the Browns? Let us know in the comments below.
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