The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in quarterback purgatory as the 2025 NFL offseason plays out. With veteran Aaron Rodgers still deciding whether to sign with Pittsburgh, return to the New York Jets, or retire, the Steelers are said to be making contingency plans.
A player whose name has picked up steam over the past few days is Kirk Cousins, who might be available through a trade from the Atlanta Falcons.
Kirk Cousins to the Steelers? A Plan B Coming
As Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer indicates, if Rodgers rejects the Steelers or decides to leave the sport, the Steelers might turn their attention to acquiring Cousins.
The Falcons seem set to move on with rookie Michael Penix Jr., their 2024 first-round pick, making the 36-year-old veteran expendable.
"So, where could Cousins go? I think Cleveland is a lot less likely now, but not completely impossible. The other team I'd pay attention to is the Pittsburgh Steelers if Aaron Rodgers decides not to go there. How he fits there, with the strong personalities in that locker room, and on offense in particular, is a fair question," Breer said.
"But you don't have to squint too hard to envision a marriage of convenience between two sides who, once the dust settles on Rodgers, may need each other," the insider added.
The potential transition is logical from Pittsburgh's viewpoint. The club has few choices at quarterback—re-signing Mason Rudolph after his Titans stint and adding Skylar Thompson, who recently came over from the Dolphins. Neither is a franchise QB, which leaves a massive void to be filled at the position.
Steelers Still Hoping for Aaron Rodgers, But Time is Ticking
The offseason surprise for fans saw Rodgers working out with DK Metcalf, who just became the new wide receiver for the Steelers. It appears that the two are developing a chemistry for Rodgers' possible next team, but don't let your hopes up yet.
If Pittsburgh waits for Rodgers by the time he's ready, they could lose their chance of landing younger QBs. The 41-year-old is still a hot commodity in the market, but Steelers need to balance the risk with reward.
The quiet from Rodgers' camp has only bred speculation. The Steelers can't afford to dawdle too long, particularly as other clubs are locking up rosters and the pool of dependable quarterbacks dwindles.
Why Cousins Could Be a Good Option For the Steelers
Not as flashy as Rodgers, Cousins brings consistency and leadership—something Pittsburgh desperately needs, ClutchPoints wrote.
Now a backup in Atlanta, his résumé boasts four Pro Bowl appearances and more than 39,000 career passing yards. With playmakers like Metcalf, George Pickens, and Najee Harris, he could make the Steelers' offense into something special overnight.
Plus, Kirk Cousins' current role in Atlanta makes him a trade chip, not a building block. If the Falcons can get fair draft value while turning over the keys to Penix, everybody wins.
© Copyright 2025 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
