Steelers Still Have A "Fascinating Alternative" Option At Quarterback In Free Agency For 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of work ahead of them in what will ultimately become the most tumultuous offseason the franchise has seen in a very long time. With so many questions surrounding the future of the team's franchise stars, along with some of the more important players currently on the roster, there are plenty of different approaches the team will be able to take all along both sides of the ball. One of the most important questions, however, is the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and whether or not he'll return for another year in Pittsburgh. Many want him to return, while plenty of others want to move on from him.

What makes this situation particularly interesting is that the Steelers will end up having more than one option at the quarterback position should they choose to move on from Rodgers. Plenty of people believe the connection Rodgers has with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is going to be a deciding factor on whether or not he returns. However, should Rodgers decide that his time in Pittsburgh is over, there are plenty of fascinating options the Steelers could end up looking at to replace him.

Earlier Wednesday afternoon, Mike Florio sat down on 93.7 The Fan to discuss Rodgers, his options, and the options the Steelers have if the veteran QB chooses to walk away. In his comments, Florio brings up something interesting that may end up being an option the Steelers consider.

"The Steelers would, at a minimum, have other guys that they can pursue," Florio explained. "That's why I was a little surprised that they don't want to know by the start of free agency, 'cause they could pivot to Kirk Cousins, they could pivot to Joe Flacco, if we're gonna go older quarterback who may have a little more gas in the tank than Rodgers. I think Cousins would be a fascinating alternative for the Steelers."

The idea that the franchise could pivot to Kirk Cousins as a potential starting quarterback should Rodgers leave is not only a fascinating idea, it's also a very intriguing option. Along with the other quarterbacks Florio mentions in his comment, it seems more likely that the Steelers might try to acquire Cousins, should Rodgers decide his time in Pittsburgh is over.

From the limited game action we saw from Cousins in the 2025 NFL season, Florio's comments about Cousins having something left in the tank hold a lot of weight. Cousins had multiple games throughout the season where he threw for two or more touchdowns while limiting his interceptions, and his ability to keep the ball moving down the field might intrigue the Steelers, should the team take this route in the offseason. 

A lot of the focus around the Steelers during the offseason should be getting younger across the board at important positions, but if they believe they are still capable of winning right now, Cousins would likely be their best option to replace Rodgers should it come to this. Even with the other, much younger quarterbacks currently in the Steelers' locker room, they've made it fairly clear their goal is to win right now and put off rebuilding as long as possible. Cousins might also serve as an excellent mentor to the younger quarterbacks, acting as a bridge signal-caller before one of them eventually starts, but should the team take this direction, they will be making one fact very obvious.

Steelers Believe They Can Win Now By Not Acquiring Younger Quarterback

The Steelers are in the mindset of winning while they still can, hence why they hired McCarthy over other head coaching candidates. If they want to stick by this plan, then their best bet will not be to get a younger quarterback brought up, whether that's one in the draft, one in free agency, or one currently on the roster. Giving the keys to Cousins, should Rodgers retire or move on, could set an interesting precedent for the next season.

What did you think about Florio's comments about Cousins as a member of the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below.

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