Pelissero: Kirk Cousins To Steelers Idea Reignites With New Take On Falcons' Stance

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently dealing with an uncertain quarterback situation, causing widespread speculation and debate regarding who will fill the crucial starting role. The potential acquisition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has overwhelmingly dominated media coverage as the probable solution to this vacancy. Despite the overwhelming focus on Rodgers, other potential quarterback options for the Steelers have been somewhat overshadowed. A particular overlooked veteran quarterback could present a compelling alternative should Rodgers ultimately choose not to join the team.

Recently, NFL Insider Tom Pelissero made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show to offer his insights into the ongoing Rodgers situation. During his segment, Pelissero also discussed what he perceives to be a solid backup plan for the Steelers should the veteran quarterback ultimately decide against signing with the franchise. 

"If the [Atlanta] Falcons are willing to be, for lack of a better term, more reasonable in terms of what they're asking for [Kirk] Cousins, the Steelers would be a logical spot," Pelissero said. 

The prolonged wait for Rodgers' decision has felt like an eternity for Steelers fans, and his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, which many hoped would provide clarity, ultimately resulted in even more unanswered questions. These comments Rodgers made have further amplified media discussions surrounding the situation, but with a noticeable shift in focus towards potential backup options for the Steelers' vacant starting quarterback role. Rodgers' recent comments were notably vague, as he didn't even explicitly state that the Steelers were his preferred destination should he continue playing. While many believed his choices were narrowed to Pittsburgh or retirement, and while retirement had recently seemed less likely, Rodgers' latest statements have reintroduced it as a distinct possibility. 

This situation has opened the door for other quarterback possibilities to emerge. Earlier in the offseason, rumors briefly connected veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Steelers, though these discussions didn't gain significant traction. Nevertheless, Cousins remains a potentially viable option for Pittsburgh. While the Atlanta Falcons haven't actively sought a trade partner for Cousins, reports have indicated his desire to play for a team where he can be the clear starting quarterback. Given the Falcons' surprising selection of Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick in last year's draft, shortly after signing Cousins to a substantial contract, it increasingly appears that Atlanta intends to move forward with Penix Jr. as their long-term solution.

Currently, Cousins is under a significant four-year, $180 million contract, positioning him as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Despite this substantial investment, Cousins was notably benched in favor of Penix Jr. during Week 16 of the regular season last year. It's crucial to recognize that any team acquiring Cousins via trade would inherit the remaining terms of his lucrative contract. This detail emphasizes the significance of Pelissero's point, that the need for the Falcons to adopt a realistic and reasonable approach regarding their asking price in any potential trade negotiations for Cousins.

Adding to the considerations surrounding Cousins is his age; at 36, he is considered an older player within the landscape of the National Football League. However, his age actually aligns with previous reports indicating that the Steelers are seeking a short-term quarterback solution, most likely a one-year contract. This strategy reportedly stems from their intention to address their long-term quarterback needs through the NFL Draft, either in the upcoming draft or the following year's, with the hope of identifying their future franchise cornerstone.

The Steelers Probably Won't Move On Cousins Until After The Draft

For those seeking immediate news, it's highly improbable that Cousins would be traded before the conclusion of the NFL Draft, which takes place at the end of this month. Given the Falcons' unexpected selection of Penix Jr. in last year's draft and Cousins' reported desire to be a starting quarterback in 2025, Cousins will almost certainly wait until the draft is finalized, or at a minimum, until after the first round, to assess his options. This timeline could potentially complicate the Steelers' situation should they decide to pursue Cousins, as it might preclude them from selecting a quarterback in the earlier rounds of the draft.

Do you want to see Cousins on the Steelers in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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