Steelers predicted to acquire former $84 million Pro Bowl quarterback if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign

The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to fully address the quarterback position this offseason. The team added Will Howard in Round 6 of the draft, and though the Ohio State product has potential, he isn't ready to be a full-time starter yet.

Obviously, the Aaron Rodgers' situation is the main reason why Pittsburgh still doesn't have a starting quarterback. The Steelers have been pursuing Rodgers since the first day of free agency, and though ESPN's Adam Schefter believes the future Hall of Famer will eventually sign with Mike Tomlin's squad, retirement is also still a possibility for the four-time league MVP.

If Rodgers ditches Pittsburgh, Sports Illustrated's Dave Holcomb predicts the Steelers will turn their attention towards trading for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.

If Rodgers turns down the Steelers, Cousins would immediately become the team's No. 1 quarterback target, assuming Pittsburgh wants to win at all cost in 2025. Given Pittsburgh's George Pickens trade and accumulation of 2026 draft capital, that might not be the team's goal. But should it be, Cousins is a significantly better option, on paper, than quarterbacks Mason Rudolph or Will Howard.

Cousins is currently in a tough spot. The veteran has expressed his desire to be a starter to members of the Falcons' organization, but the franchise plans to move ahead with Michael Penix Jr. as the starter. Additionally, Atlanta hasn't shown much interest in trading Cousins, meaning he could be Penix's backup when the 2025 season kicks off.

If the right team and package presents itself, the Falcons could trade Cousins, and the Steelers would be a logical landing spot if Rodgers doesn't sign. Pittsburgh needs a veteran starter to lead the offense this year, and though Cousins is coming off an abysmal 2024 campaign, the 36-year-old has a ton of experience and could still provide solid play.

There are some downsides to trading for Cousins, as he still has three years left on his massive $180 million contract, and giving up draft capital for an aging veteran wouldn't be ideal. However, the Steelers have run out of options at this point in the offseason, so Cousins may be their best backup plan if Rodgers calls it a career or decides not to sign.

With a change of scenery and another year removed from a torn Achilles he suffered in 2023, Cousins could be in for a bounce-back season. The four-time Pro Bowler may have another productive campaign left him and could help Pittsburgh reach the playoffs.

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