As the Pittsburgh Steelers await a decision from Aaron Rodgers, they’re not leaving anything to chance. According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the team has quietly lined up a contingency plan, and it involves Kirk Cousins.
Fowler revealed during a recent appearance on SportsCenter that multiple league conversations suggest Cousins is firmly on Pittsburgh’s radar should the Rodgers deal fall through. Despite the complex financial logistics and the Falcons’ resistance to moving their veteran quarterback, the Steelers remain interested.
“I had some conversations with people this week that led me to believe Cousins is, at the very least, on the Steelers’ radar,” said Fowler. “If something were to fall through on Rodgers, they’re positioned to pivot.”
The Possibility of Kirk Cousins Joining the Steelers
Landing Cousins won’t be simple. The 36-year-old is currently locked into a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, including $100 million guaranteed. The cap implications are massive, $37.5 million in guarantees remain across this year and next.
To pull off a trade, Atlanta would likely need to absorb a significant chunk of Cousins’ salary, which they’ve shown little interest in doing. As Fowler put it:
“It would take a hefty price tag for another team to wiggle that out. If [Atlanta] were willing to take just seven or eight million, a deal might already be done.”
Even with Cousins’ underwhelming 2024, 3,508 yards, 18 TDs, and a league-leading 16 interceptions, his desire to start rather than back up keeps him in trade conversations. Still, with Michael Penix Jr. now the Falcons’ future centerpiece, Cousins’ status remains in flux.
Will the Steelers Make a Move?
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is clearly fluid. If Aaron Rodgers decides to stay put or lands elsewhere, Kirk Cousins might become their best available option. But given Atlanta’s current stance, it’s a long shot, unless they’re willing to eat a sizable portion of his salary.
