Aaron Rodgers delay forces Steelers to consider Falcons blunder — at a $20 million price tag

Several teams remain in serious need of a quarterback as the offseason progresses. The most prominent among them is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who still have a glaring hole in their QB room. There's speculation that the team may be holding out hope for Aaron Rodgers to sign a contract—or at least, that’s the belief.

“I just think verbally, behind the scenes, not that he guaranteed it, but he’s told [the Steelers], 'Listen, I'm gonna play for you. I just don’t want to go there and then miss part of mandatory minicamp because of my personal issues. I'm pretty sure they're gonna be solved by the end of May, at least in my satisfaction where I can give you my all,’” Ian O’Connor said.

Rodgers has delayed signing with the Steelers for so long that former wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson believes his commitment to football may be in question if he doesn't show up by OTAs.

“Then Aaron Rodgers obviously isn’t serious about playing football,” Johnson said. “And he’s not serious about his teammates rallying around him if he’s not at OTA’s.”

In the meantime, the Steelers could have a potential trade option in Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins. With Michael Penix Jr. now firmly established as Atlanta's starter, Cousins has reportedly been looking for a way out.

“Kirk Cousins would be the ideal backup plan if the Rodgers deal falls flat — but there's a catch. The Steelers would likely need to take on at least $20 million of his guaranteed money. It would be a win-win for both Cousins and the Steelers, should Pittsburgh take on the financial challenge,” Andrew Vasquez wrote.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Cousins could be a valuable veteran addition for the Steelers. After a disappointing season, he’s eager to prove himself, and Pittsburgh might be the perfect opportunity. As Atlanta moves forward with Penix, Cousins could be in prime position to become the next starter for the Steelers.