Insider Believes Steelers Still Have ‘At Least Some Interest’ in Trading for Pro Bowl QB
Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer believes the Pittsburgh Steelers could still trade for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
It’s fair to assume the next quarterback domino to fall will be Aaron Rodgers, who many believe is a “safe bet” to land in Pittsburgh. However, if that isn’t how things play out, one insider thinks another Pro Bowl quarterback could still be in play for the Steelers.
Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer believes the Steelers could be interested in trading for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins if they fail to land Rodgers.
“With his $10 million guarantee for 2025 vested, Kirk Cousins is now looking at potentially slow-playing his next move,” Breer writes. “If, say, Rodgers picks the Steelers this week, I’d expect that the Giants and Cleveland Browns would have at least some interest in making a move for the Atlanta Falcons’ very pricey backup. Ditto for the Steelers if they strike out.”
Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last offseason. But he disappointed in his first year with Atlanta, passing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 games before being benched for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The four-time Pro Bowler did earn his $10 million roster bonus, which is why many believe the Falcons will keep him as their backup for the 2025 season. However, that isn’t the sense everyone is getting around the league.
Insider Josina Anderson thinks Atlanta would move on from Cousins for a third-round pick.
It’s hard to imagine any team willing to pay that price for an aging quarterback, who is coming off a torn Achilles in 2023. But if a team is desperate enough, a conversation will at least be had.
Cousins also has a no-trade clause, but he would likely waive it if he were given the opportunity to start elsewhere.
The Steelers are hoping that won’t be them, but they seem to be at the mercy of Rodgers for now.
Cousins, a fourth-round pick (No. 102 overall) in 2012, has thrown for 42,979 yards, 288 touchdowns and 126 interceptions in his 13-year NFL career.
