The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent months entertaining the idea of Aaron Rodgers joining their roster, but that possibility appears to be fading as the offseason unfolds.
With the veteran quarterback’s arrival looking increasingly unlikely, the Steelers could be exploring alternative plans to address their quarterback situation.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Kirk Cousins could emerge as their backup ‘Plan B’ option if the Rodgers pursuit falls through.
“I would say Kirk Cousins. I mean, I had some conversations with people this week (that) lead me to believe that Cousins is, at the very least, on the Steelers’ radar if something were to fall through on (Aaron) Rodgers,” Fowler said.
#Steelers have sights set on Aaron Rodgers and have Mason Rudolph in the fold – is Kirk Cousins a viable Plan B?@SportsCenter with @aminajadeTV pic.twitter.com/E7rmr6WWDG
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 26, 2025
Landing Cousins would require negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons, who benched the veteran after just 14 starts despite his four-year, $180 million contract.
The Falcons have since committed to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starter for 2025, making Cousins expendable.
Any potential trade comes with significant financial considerations. Before the draft, Atlanta made clear that acquiring teams would need to absorb at least $20 million of Cousins’ $37.5 million guaranteed salary.
The Falcons have shown reluctance to simply release Cousins. They kept him past the March deadline, allowing another $10 million to become guaranteed, then held onto him through the draft instead of trading for future picks.
June 1 could change the financial landscape as salary cap penalties shift after that date.
Without Rodgers or Cousins, the Steelers would rely on Mason Rudolph, sixth-round pick Will Howard, and backup Skylar Thompson.
That group hardly inspires confidence for a franchise seeking playoff contention.
