The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a backup plan in mind if free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides to retire or takes too long to make a decision. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Kirk Cousins is “at the very least” on the Steelers’ radar as a potential alternative.
If negotiations with Rodgers falter, Cousins could become a viable solution for the Steelers. Fowler noted that the team could potentially reach out to the Atlanta Falcons to discuss trade options for Cousins. Presently, Rodgers remains their primary target.
Cousins, who previously signed a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, has been benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who is regarded as the starting quarterback heading into the next season. The Falcons have expressed a reluctance to simply release Cousins, maintaining his position even when there were chances to trade him for further draft capital. Currently, they would need to negotiate taking on at least $20 million from his remaining guaranteed salary for any potential deal.
Key considerations for the Steelers in pursuing Cousins will include how to fit his substantial contract within their salary cap. Notably, Cousins’ contract allows for options after this current season, which adds to the complexities of any potential trade.
Currently, the Steelers’ quarterback situation consists of Mason Rudolph, a journeyman, rookie Will Howard, and backup Skylar Thompson. Cousins’ future remains uncertain, and the outcome of Rodgers’ decision may significantly influence his next steps.
While the uncertainty surrounding Cousins and the fate of the Steelers remains, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in shaping the quarterback landscape for both teams. This situation highlights the ever-evolving nature of NFL player strategies, as teams look for optimal paths to success.