The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently navigating a period of significant quarterback uncertainty, with a void at the starting position. This opening has made them a central topic in the media, with widespread speculation about who will ultimately lead their offense. The potential arrival of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has dominated these discussions, as there have been reports of an offer extended by the Steelers and that they are waiting for his decision. As Rodgers' answer remains unknown, many are now questioning what other avenues the team might explore to fill this coveted role.
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Former New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers looks on during a game.
With uncertainty surrounding the Rodgers situation, various scenarios have been discussed for the Steelers' quarterback plans. One option that is gaining increasing attention is veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, currently with the Atlanta Falcons. In a recent ESPN article featuring 2025 NFL Draft intel and insights from NFL insider Adam Schefter, written by Peter Schrager, an update was provided on the potential for a Cousins trade and the Steelers' position in that possibility.
"Atlanta has asked for any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $37.5 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins' contract. To date, no has been willing to do that, and no team is expected to be willing to... there is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million," Schrager wrote.
A crucial factor in any potential Cousins trade will be the acquiring team's willingness to absorb his salary, as this will inversely affect the draft compensation involved. Teams prepared to pay a larger portion of Cousins' contract will likely need to give up fewer draft picks, whereas those seeking a lower financial commitment will likely need to offer more significant draft capital. Given that the Falcons and Cousins, who controls his destination with a no-trade clause, are seemingly headed for a split, the dynamics of this upcoming draft could be pivotal. The success or failure of teams in drafting rookie quarterbacks this weekend could ultimately dictate how much guaranteed money a suitor for Cousins is willing to take on.
When Cousins departed the Minnesota Vikings for the Falcons, it wasn't just a change of teams; it was accompanied by a large four-year, $180 million contract. This significant investment led the NFL world to assume Cousins was the Falcons' quarterback of the future, a belief solidified by becoming one of the league's highest paid players, even at 35. This, however, took an unexpected turn when the Falcons surprised the NFL community by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (left) and Kirk Cousins (right) during practice.
Cousins' reported trade request seems directly linked to the Falcons drafting Penix Jr., as Cousins reportedly wants to join a team where he can be the starter. With the Steelers actively seeking a quarterback, this could be an ideal scenario. Despite this, the Steelers have indicated their intention to find their next long-term franchise quarterback in the NFL Draft in either the current or the following year. While this long-term approach might seem counter to Cousins' immediate goals, the Steelers' history with quarterback transitions suggests a potential middle ground.
Steelers Need To Avoid Another Kenny Pickett-Type Outcome
The Steelers' most recent attempt to draft their long-term franchise quarterback was the selection of Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Pickett was chosen after the retirement of Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, with the hope he would be his successor. However, Pickett was ultimately traded to the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2024 season, and his time in Pittsburgh did not live up to the expectations of Steelers fans.
Pickett was thrown into the Steelers' starting quarterback role just five weeks into his rookie season, taking over from Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky, signed from the Chicago Bears as a bridge quarterback for Pickett's development, struggled early on, leading to Pickett's premature promotion. Moving forward, if the Steelers decide to draft another rookie quarterback, they will likely have learned from this experience and opt for a more patient approach, allowing the young player to develop and learn behind a seasoned veteran.
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Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger (left) and Kenny Pickett (right) discuss playing quarterback for the Steelers.
This scenario could offer a long-term advantage for the Steelers while fulfilling Cousins' desire to be a clear starting quarterback. While the Falcons would likely need to reduce their asking price to generate serious interest in a Cousins trade, the Steelers possess the financial flexibility to structure a contract. However, with other key players on the team also in line for contract extensions, the Steelers will likely exercise caution and may wait until a more favorable financial situation, such as the reported $10 million price tag mentioned by Schrager, becomes a reality.
If the Falcons are willing to lower the asking price for Cousins, would you like to see him sign with the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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