It seems like each day bleeds into another as the Pittsburgh Steelers wait for Aaron Rodgers's final decision. Their owner, Art Rooney II, claimed that it appears Rodgers is close to signing the dotted line, but there is no clear indication if that will happen or when it might occur. The Steelers remain in a holding pattern, giving the free agent time to decide, but they won't wait forever.
It seems likely that Rodgers will either sign with Pittsburgh or retire. The Minnesota Vikings are officially out of the Rodgers saga, but no one knows if they were ever involved. Many believe it's just a matter of time until the future Hall of Fame gunslinger officially signs with the Steelers. Everyone in the NFL wants this drawn-out story to end.
Despite many believing that Rodgers will join Mike Tomlin's team, no one knows what happens in his head. He is hard to read, and Rodgers does things at his own pace. If a scenario occurs where the veteran quarterback doesn't join the Steelers, they will be in hot water. They can't go into next season with only Mason Rudolph as their only option. Pittsburgh could see more trade rumors come to light.
If it's not Rodgers, expect Kirk Cousins's name to get thrown around in Steelers rumors.
Kirk Cousins might be Steelers last savior if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
Adding Cousins in a trade might not be a perfect acquisition, but it might be necessary. He is a veteran quarterback with plenty of starting experience. While Cousins is on the downswing of his career, he could rebound from a wonky performance in 2024. Sometimes, it takes an extra year to heal from an Achilles tear, much like Cousins and Rodgers showed last season.
His contract would be the biggest hurdle in a potential trade. The Atlanta Falcons signed him to a massive deal when he was a free agent last offseason. They drafted Michael Penix in the first round, and he appears to be their starter moving forward. It makes little sense to keep an expensive veteran in the position if there are ways to move him.
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There is only one clear path for the Steelers and Falcons to accept a trade.
Atlanta must be willing to eat most of Cousins' remaining contract. If they refuse, it makes no sense for Pittsburgh to consider this move. Another stipulation would regard the possible price to acquire this player.
Since the veteran signal-caller is coming off a bad year, it should only cost a late-round pick swap. The Black and Gold could get desperate if Rodgers declines to join them, however, so the price could end up being higher than expected.
Adding Cousins to the Steelers roster for a late-round swap that requires Atlanta to pay most of his bill would be a nice fallback choice. Pittsburgh could always take a quarterback in the upcoming draft, but Steelers general manager Omar Khan has said he wants four players at the position by training camp. Cousins wouldn't fix their problems, but he could infuse stability into the position this season.