Schefter Says Steelers Are Kirk Cousins' Only Trade Landing Spot amid Rodgers Rumors

With the Atlanta Falcons set to pay Kirk Cousins $27.5 million in base salary in 2025 to be the backup quarterback, it would make sense if there was an eventual trade involving the veteran.

However, there reportedly aren't many options.

ESPN's Adam Schefter discussed the Cousins situation on the Tuesday episode of his podcast (32-minute mark) and called the Pittsburgh Steelers "the only option" after the Minnesota Vikings traded for Sam Howell and with the Cleveland Browns not interested. 

"The only option there is right now for Kirk Cousins is the Pittsburgh Steelers," Schefter said. "And that's if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign with Pittsburgh by his choice. Because the Steelers are waiting for Aaron Rodgers to sign on the dotted line. It sounds like Aaron Rodgers is going to sign on the dotted line.

"If, for some reason, Aaron Rodgers decides he isn't going to play, Kirk Cousins would then become the primary option for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Rodgers has been connected to the Steelers for much of the offseason, but the NFL world is still waiting for him to make a decision about joining the AFC North team or retiring. Schefter's comments made it clear Pittsburgh prefers signing Rodgers for just money over giving up something of value in return for Cousins in a trade.

Still, Pittsburgh likely has to do something at quarterback this offseason with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields no longer on the roster.

Its current depth chart consists of Mason Rudolph, rookie Will Howard and Skylar Thompson, which doesn't seem like a group ready to contend with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson in the division.

As for Cousins, the Falcons may have to simply exercise patience when it comes to a potential trade.

If Rodgers joins the Steelers and removes them from the list of potential suitors, the next-best viable option may be to wait until training camp or preseason and see if there is a quarterback injury around the league.

That could create a situation where Atlanta has more leverage in trade discussions and could eventually facilitate a deal that will likely continue to be speculated about as the offseason continues.