For a while now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been awaiting a decision on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He is the final domino needing to fall in order for the remaining quarterback questions and answers to truly come into focus.
But, with so many rumors and whispers, it's gotten hard to figure out what's true and what's fluff.
The talk of Rodgers and the Minnesota Vikings had seemed real, and at the same time, some reporters have shot down the idea completely. We've even seen rumors that if Rodgers doesn't get a deal done in Minnesota that he might just call it a career, leaving the Steelers having to turn the page completely.
A new report, though, now suggests Pittsburgh could have a real, viable option if not Rodgers. No, it's not Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston. It's not even via the 2025 NFL Draft.
It's Kirk Cousins.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported overnight that there are two notable quarterback names who have garnered trade discussions, with one of them being Cousins.
The Steelers likely have their price if they wanted to make a Kirk Cousins trade
“'Atlanta has been getting calls," she wrote. "I heard talk of a 3rd-round pick being potentially actionable."
So, there it is. If the Steelers cannot get their hands on Rodgers and want to pivot from going back to Russell Wilson, then Cousins is an option. But, is he really worth a third-round pick? That contract is ... yikes.
Cousins' cap hit each of the next three years is abysmal. Now, before we get too anxious about the cap hits and totally freak out, let's look at his contract per Over the Cap.
Guaranteed Money | Cap Hit | Dead Cap/Savings if cut pre-June 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | $27.5 million | $40 million | -$35 million |
2026 | $10 million | $40 million | $22.5 million |
2027 | $0 | $57.5 million | $45 million |
On one hand, if Cousins didn't work out in 2025, the Steelers could cut ties and save a good chunk of money in the following two years.
But, it also means Pittsburgh (probably) would have given up a third-round pick for a wasted attempt to figure out their quarterback position.
Now, as they say, winning cures all. If Cousins panned out and gave Pittsburgh a legitimate shot at winning a Super Bowl, then the draft capital and money wouldn't be a big deal. It will all have been worth it.
Again, that's a big "if." This is a delicate situation, but the Falcons have tried to dig their heels in and remain as patient as possible while the quarterback carousel comes to a halt (as long as it's taking).
Could Cousins become a Steeler? We'll find out in the coming days.