NFL Insider Predicts Steelers Eye Kirk Cousins if Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Sign Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers could turn to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins if the team can't sign Aaron Rodgers in free agency.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Steelers will "likely be interested" in Cousins if Rodgers doesn't sign with them.

ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported that Rodgers is weighing the possibility of taking the 2025 season off despite meeting with Pittsburgh on March 21.

As for Cousins, he's still under contract with Atlanta after signing a four-year deal worth $180 million to join the Falcons during the 2024 offseason.

He started 14 games for the team to open his 2024 campaign before he was benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr., owning a record of just 7-7 as a starter and tossing 16 interceptions.

Cousins' future on the Falcons is murky with Penix expected to enter the 2025 season atop the depth chart, but their front office may not be actively looking to trade him yet. If Atlanta trades the veteran after June 1, it would carry a dead cap hit of just $12.5 million in 2025 compared to a $37.5 million dead cap hit if he's dealt before then (h/t Cabot).

Still, Pittsburgh could pursue him if Rodgers isn't interested.

The Steelers are still on the hunt for a capable starting option under center in 2025 after Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, their 2024 starters, both went elsewhere in free agency. Wilson signed with the New York Giants, while Fields agreed to join the New York Jets.

Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only two quarterbacks currently under contract for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are still looking to compete for a third consecutive playoff berth in 2025, acquiring two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks on March 9.

If Rodgers isn't signed, Pittsburgh may turn its attention towards Cousins.