Steelers Fans Could Now See Kirk Cousins Become A Legitimate Option At QB: "Expect A Trade Offer To Materialize"

The Pittsburgh Steelers still do not really know what is going on at the quarterback position for the 2025 season. Aaron Rodgers is still taking his time coming to a decision on his future, although it seems like a near-guarantee that the four-time league MVP will be the starter in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are his only option currently outside of retirement, so he has to sign the deal eventually if he plans to continue his playing career. Even though it seems like Rodgers will end up wearing the black and gold in 2025, the organization still has to do its due diligence on all other options at the position.

The Steelers have been extensively scouting the quarterbacks entering the 2025 NFL Draft, but it is hard to imagine the organization decides to attack the position with the 21st overall pick. The franchise could certainly take a shot on a quarterback later in the event, but there are other pressing needs early on.

Another option that could be considered at quarterback is Kirk Cousins, who is currently slated to be the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025. NFL Insider Dianna Russini wrote about Cousins' future and what the Steelers might have to do at quarterback moving forward during an article for The Athletic.

"Uninterested in another competition with a highly-drafted passer, Cousins’ camp doesn’t plan to waive his no-trade clause until after the NFL Draft ends on April 26. 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 has a no-trade clause in his current contract which he signed with Atlanta during the 2024 offseason. That is exactly why it was so surprising when the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. in the first-round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Throughout training camp and all other preseason activities, it was made clear that Cousins was going to be the starter, but as the season moved on and the veteran struggled, fans wanted to see Penix. Cousins was eventually benched near the end of the year, and as previously mentioned, he will be backing up Penix in 2025.

The Falcons have been public in saying the organization does not want to trade Cousins, but that could all be a ploy to try to get more compensation in a trade. If the Steelers strike out with Rodgers, Cousins is probably the next logical option. Cousins wants to go somewhere he will be the starting quarterback, and that will be the case in Pittsburgh as long as the Steelers do not draft a quarterback with a premier pick. 

The veteran saw what it was like to have to compete with a rookie during the 2024 season, and he does not want to go through that again. Hopefully Rodgers signs in Pittsburgh, but if he doesn't, the Steelers may be making some calls to Atlanta.

Steelers Must Avoid Acquiring Kirk Cousins

Cousins showed during the 2024 season that he is no longer the player he used to be. He suffered a serious Achilles injury during the 2023 season, and he was not able to bounce back from it in the same way that Rodgers was physically. Rodgers got better as each week went by, while Cousins seemed to struggle week in and week out.

The mobility is almost non-existent for Cousins, which would be a major issue behind Pittsburgh's inconsistent offensive line. Making a trade for the quarterback and acquiring his large contract is a move that could set Pittsburgh back years. It would be a major mistake trading for Cousins, and if Rodgers doesn't sign in Pittsburgh, just start Mason Rudolph.

What do you think about the possibility of Pittsburgh trading for Cousins? Let us know in the comments below!

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