Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) walks to the line during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Atlanta. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 17-13. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network revealed on The Rich Eisen Show on Friday that the Pittsburgh Steelers tried to trade with the Atlanta Falcons for quarterback Kirk Cousins last year. With Cousins now a free agent, could the Steelers pivot to the veteran quarterback if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire?
“Kirk Cousins is the one, and I know that they called on him last year and the Falcons at the time didn’t want to trade him, didn’t want to engage in trade talks, but now Kirk Cousins is free,” Pelissero told Eisen. “Cousins potentially could be an option if they pivot away from Aaron Rodgers, which hasn’t happened yet.”
NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported earlier this month that Cousins could be in play for the Steelers if Rodgers backs out.
“Former Vikings playoff quarterback Kirk Cousins is among the top options for Pittsburgh if Rodgers is not back, according to league sources, while the team is legitimately high on the upside of second-year quarterback Will Howard as well,” La Canfora wrote for Sportsboom.
“Rodgers is notorious for taking his time and mulling his options as to whether or not he will play or retire, but the quarterback market is already beginning to fall in line in free agency, with top option Malik Willis signing with Miami at the start of free agency (as we pointed to week ago and around the $25M/year figure we projected as well).
“The Steelers cannot afford to let Rodgers drag the process out too long, although the team is also unlikely to take a chance on some of the other back-up options floating around.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins warming up.
It’s unclear what type of player Rodgers would be if he decides to return for his 22nd season in the league, but the nearly five-years-younger Cousins would still come at a risk, too.
The four-time Pro Bowler completed 303 of his 453 passes (66.9%) for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions before being benched for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his first year with the Atlanta Falcons.
Then in 2025, Cousins stepped in for the injured Penix Jr., completing just 166 of his 269 passes (61.7%) for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games.
Mentioned In This Article: Aaron Rodgers Atlanta Falcons Kirk Cousins Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers Steelers News The Rich Eisen Show Tom Pelissero