NFL Insider Sees Kirk Cousins As 'Viable' Steelers Trade Target Amid Rodgers Rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly could pivot to the trade market if veteran free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn't join the franchise.

During an appearance on Thursday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Peter Schrager reported that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is a "viable" trade target for the Steelers if their pursuit of Rodgers comes up short.

Per Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio said during an appearance on the radio station that a source confirmed that Rodgers is waiting to sign with the Steelers until after the 2025 NFL schedule is released so the league doesn't include Pittsburgh in too many primetime games. The schedule is set to be released on May 14.

Still, the Steelers have already done some wheeling and dealing this offseason. They acquired star receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and shipped wideout George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh is set to begin OTAs on May 27 before holding a minicamp from June 10-12, so time is running out to have a starting quarterback in place.

The Steelers signed backups Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson and used a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft to select Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, though none of them are considered potential starters.

Cousins is known to be available for a trade, but the Falcons have yet to find a landing spot for him. Schrager noted that the friendship between Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, which dates back to their time together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could help facilitate a deal between the two teams.

Perhaps Rodgers will end all this speculation by signing with the Steelers, but it sounds like Pittsburgh could turn to Cousins if the franchise runs out of patience.