Insiders Reveal Steelers’ ‘Last Remaining Option’ at QB
Insiders Jacob Robinson and Dianna Russini of The Athletic share who they believe to be the Pittsburgh Steelers' last remaining option at QB.
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain all in on free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But what’s the plan if they fail to land the four-time NFL MVP?
Insiders Jacob Robinson and Dianna Russini of The Athletic believe trading for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins would be the next move.
“If they miss during the draft, their last remaining option is trading the Falcons for Kirk Cousins,” Robinson and Russini write. “This makes the early draft telling for both the Steelers and Browns (holders of picks No. 2 and No. 33). If either passes on an early quarterback — and does not add Rodgers — expect a trade offer to materialize for the 36-year-old Cousins. It’s clear Atlanta will listen.”
Cousins 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 some believe the Falcons are willing to 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.
That’s a pretty steep price for an aging player who is coming off a torn Achilles in 2023. But the quarterback-needy Steelers could be interested if the Falcons are willing to come down on their asking price.
Only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson currently occupy Pittsburgh’s quarterback room and general manager Omar Khan said the team plans to add two more before the start of the 2025 season.
“We always go to training camp with four quarterbacks, and we have two under contract right now,” Khan said. “So all options are on the table through free agency, trade or the draft, obviously.”
If Rodgers falls through and the board doesn’t fall the right way during the 2025 NFL Draft, one of those additions could be Cousins.
A fourth-round pick (No. 102 overall) in 2012, Cousins has thrown for 42,979 yards, 288 touchdowns and 126 interceptions in his 13-year NFL career.
