The Pittsburgh Steelers are crossing their fingers that Aaron Rodgers will show up like a knight in shining armor and ink his contract before mandatory minicamp in less than two weeks. But if he doesn't, a backup plan could already be unfolding that nobody wants. On Tuesday, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported that Kirk Cousins was a no-show at Falcons OTAs.
This feels like the beginning of the end for Cousins' short-lived tenure in Atlanta. Though the Falcons have expressed that they would be comfortable keeping Cousins as a backup to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., we know better.
Cousins' absence isn't surprising. The long-time NFL starter is frustrated with his situation in Atlanta, and the feeling is mutual. Cousins doesn't want to hold a clipboard, and the Falcons don't want to absorb a $40 million cap charge to a player who will ride the bench barring an injury to Penix this year.
That's where the Steelers come in.
Cousins skipping OTAs is one sign of many that the veteran is on the way out, and Pittsburgh's front office could come crawling if they don't hear from Aaron Rodgers soon. While Cousins' actions may be sending a loud message to the Steelers, Omar Khan would be wise to look the other way.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should avoid a potential trade for Kirk Cousins
If Aaron Rodgers continues with his non-committal attitude, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be forced to cut their losses and move on at some point. But making a move for Kirk Cousins is the last thing this team needs.
While the Falcons would be willing to absorb some of Cousins' lofty contract, there isn't a deal sweet enough that should cause the Steelers to jump at the opportunity to land the aging QB.
At 36, Cousins should theoretically have more left in the tank than a 41-year-old Rodgers, but their film from the 2024 season serves as our latest evidence, and this couldn't be further from the case. As mediocre as Rodgers looked at times, it's clear that the veteran quarterback still has a live arm with zip and touch. Cousins' arm, on the other hand, looks completely shot.
Watching the Falcons' QB try to deliver a simple out route to his wide receiver last year was painful. It was no doubt his struggles to drive the football that led to his benching. And we can't use the Achilles injury as an excuse, as Rodgers is recovering from the same ailment.
While Rodgers would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Mason Rudolph, it's hard to feel confident that Cousins would be as well after what we witnessed from him before getting benched in 2024. Cousins is coming off a season in which he led the Falcons to a 7-7 record while throwing for 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions while stringing together a pedestrian 88.6 passer rating—the lowest of his NFL career since becoming a starter in 2015.
Kirk Cousins' name value could cause Omar Khan to take a second look. But regardless of Cousins' absence from OTAs, the Pittsburgh Steelers should avoid a trade for the washed-up veteran quarterback at all costs.