The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to face a critical decision at quarterback. The construction of the Steelers' roster does not hint at a rebuild, so the quarterback decision is essential. Justin Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets, is no longer an option. Russell Wilson is exploring his options in free agency, taking meetings with both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants on consecutive days. Aaron Rodgers appears to be the Steelers' first option, but is weighing his options between the Steelers, Giants and potentially Vikings.
KSTP
Steelers Kirk Cousins during the 2024 training camp.
If the Steelers are unable to sign either Wilson or Rodgers, there are still trade options or the possibility of drafting a quarterback. The Steelers currently hold seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and could potentially select a quarterback with the 21st pick of the first round or 83rd overall pick in the third round.
This year's draft does not appear to be loaded with quarterback talent, but the Steelers could still find a suitable option. Shedeur Sanders could be available late in the first round for the Steelers with the 21st pick, but that reality isn't expected to come to fruition.
If Sanders is already off the board by the time Pittsburgh is on the clock, then the decision of taking Jaxson Dart in the first round could arise, or could Pittsburgh trade back into the second round, hoping that Dart is still available? If the Steelers are unable to select Sanders or Dart early in the draft, they could still decide to select a quarterback with the 83rd pick.
Gary Cosby Jr. / USA Today Sports
Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner pulls on the face mask of Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The Steelers are in win-now mode based on their current moves in free agency, however. Starting a rookie quarterback would bring more uncertainty than a veteran. If Wilson and Rodgers decide to play for any team other than the Steelers in 2025, then there are still possible trade options for Pittsburgh. Keyshawn Johnson, co-host of Speak on FS1 and a former Pro Bowler, believes the Steelers should give anything for Kirk Cousins if they cannot sign Wilson or Rodgers.
"I think they should absolutely try and get the deal done with Aaron Rodgers, but for some reason it fails and then they can't make a run at Russell Wilson again, you go and you go knock on Atlanta's door and you say 'What do you want for Kirk Cousins?'," Johnson said.
Cousins has won a lot of games in the NFL as he is currently sixth among active quarterbacks in wins. In 2024, Cousins started 14 games for the Atlanta Falcons, recording a record of 7-7. In those 14 games, Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions with a 66.9 completion percentage. Cousins still offers a lot when he's healthy, and that was on display before his Achilles injury back in 2023.
AP
Kirk Cousins speaks to members of the Atlanta media.
Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 record before shoulder and elbow injuries also affected his play, which occurred in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints. Cousins and the Falcons lost four straight games leading to his benching. Cousins recently appeared on NFL Network's Good Morning Football and confirmed his benching was due to an ongoing injury.
"I, against the Saints, got hit pretty good in my right shoulder and elbow and from there kind of dealing with that was something I was working through and just never really could get it to where I wanted it," Cousins said.
Each of the last two seasons have ended due to injury for Cousins, so there could be a potential risk for the Steelers in trading for him, especially since the Falcons did not release Cousins, which triggered a guarantee on a $10 million roster bonus due in 2026. So, if Cousins is the option for the Steelers, then they will either pay a partial amount of the guarantee money or the entire $10 million.
The #Falcons were never bluffing here. The $10m for 2026 is subject to offset language, meaning whoever is paying him next year will pick up Atlanta’s tab for part or all of the guarantee. This deadline might cost Atlanta $0 in the end. Worth it to hold him and wait for a trade. https://t.co/GmAcAujFub
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2025
If Pittsburgh losing out on Rodgers and believes that Cousins can still be a franchise-type quarterback, it won't hurt to reach out to the Falcons to see what the potential asking price is for the veteran.
If the Steelers cannot get a deal done with either Wilson or Rodgers, will the risk outweigh the rewards of Cousins?
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