5 Kenny Pickett replacements if Steelers move on in 2024

2. Kirk Cousins, via free agency

The Steelers could argue that they are a team ready to win right now, and the only thing they're missing is a legitimate quarterback to take them to the promised land. That defense, when healthy, is a good unit. They can get to the quarterback with the best of them, thanks to Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, among others.

Pittsburgh has weapons in both the passing and run game. If you were to take Kirk Cousins and throw him into the mix, the Steelers could absolutely make some noise as an AFC contender. Before he went down for the season in Minnesota, Cousins was operating with Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison as his top three options.

In Pittsburgh, he'd have another ultra-athletic wideout in George Pickens and a great possession guy in Diontae Johnson, plus an upper-tier tight end in Pat Freiermuth. The Steelers' running back room is also much better than Minnesota's, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren presenting different skill sets. Cousins would be well set up for success if he chose to sign here.

Plus, the 35-year-old is at a point in his career where he's going to want to do whatever it takes to land on a contender if he doesn't return to Minnesota.