Could the Steelers Pursue Kirk Cousins in 2025?

As the offseason progresses and the clock ticks toward mandatory minicamps and training camps, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a state of uncertainty regarding their quarterback situation. While Aaron Rodgers’ future remains up in the air, the Steelers continue to monitor another potential option: Kirk Cousins. Despite being on the Atlanta Falcons‘ roster, Cousins has expressed a preference for a fresh start, and the Steelers are among the teams keeping an eye on his situation.

The Current Situation in Pittsburgh

The Steelers’ quarterback situation is far from settled. Despite having a roster that boasts a strong defense and promising offensive weapons, Pittsburgh’s most pressing question is at the quarterback position. The team has not yet committed to a clear starter for 2025, leaving a gap in a crucial area. Although the Steelers have been linked to Rodgers—who could potentially join the team for at least one season—Rodgers’ long wait to make a formal commitment to returning in 2025 has left the Steelers with limited clarity on their next move.

While it remains possible that Rodgers could ultimately sign and join the Steelers, the team’s patience is wearing thin, and time is running out for the veteran quarterback to make an official decision. This leaves the door open for another option: Kirk Cousins, currently under contract with the Falcons.

The Kirk Cousins Situation in Atlanta

Kirk Cousins has had a rocky year in Atlanta, where he has served as a backup to Michael Penix Jr. With the Falcons now in a transition period, it’s become clear that Cousins is not part of the team’s long-term plans. Despite the Falcons’ public statements suggesting they are open to keeping Cousins for another year, their willingness to trade him remains apparent. The issue, however, is his hefty contract, which could complicate any potential trade.

Cousins is owed $37.5 million in guaranteed money over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, a figure that has proven to be a major roadblock for teams interested in acquiring him. The Falcons are reportedly unwilling to eat a large portion of this contract, leaving potential suitors with the responsibility of absorbing a significant portion of the quarterback’s salary. Early reports indicated that Atlanta was asking for teams to take on at least $20 million of Cousins’ 2025 salary in exchange for a trade, but this request failed to generate much interest.

However, despite the financial hurdles, the Steelers have remained among the teams monitoring Cousins’ situation. With the Falcons seemingly open to moving him, Pittsburgh could potentially make a play to bring the experienced quarterback into their fold for the 2025 season.

Why the Steelers Might Pursue Cousins?

There are several reasons why the Steelers could pursue Kirk Cousins as a solution to their quarterback dilemma. For one, Cousins is an experienced and reliable starter with a proven track record. A four-time Pro Bowler, Cousins has consistently posted impressive statistics throughout his career, including passing yards and touchdown totals that could benefit Pittsburgh’s offense, which is poised to take another step forward under the right quarterback.

Additionally, Cousins’ presence in Pittsburgh would provide stability at the quarterback position, something the team may need in the absence of a clear answer regarding Aaron Rodgers. With such a significant amount of guaranteed money owed to Cousins over the next two seasons, the Steelers would need to weigh whether his performance justifies the financial commitment. However, if the Falcons are willing to negotiate on the trade package, Pittsburgh could find a way to absorb Cousins’ salary without it becoming a major impediment.

The Steelers are a team that prides itself on strong, balanced football, and Cousins could fit into their system well. His steady, methodical playstyle is in line with the team’s focus on solid ball control and efficient passing. While he may not have the flash and high-risk style of Rodgers, Cousins would offer the Steelers a competent and consistent presence at quarterback.

Challenges in Pursuing Cousins

The biggest hurdle to any potential trade for Cousins will undoubtedly be his contract. At $37.5 million in guaranteed salary over the next two seasons, it’s unlikely that many teams will be willing to take on that amount without some form of salary relief from the Falcons. Although the Steelers are reportedly interested, they will need to carefully consider the financial implications of adding such a large contract to their roster.

Additionally, Cousins’ age (he will be 36 in 2025) and his relatively modest playoff resume might cause some hesitation for Pittsburgh’s front office. While he has been a steady presence in the regular season, he has struggled to elevate his play in the postseason. That factor may give the Steelers pause as they evaluate their long-term options at quarterback.

Conclusion

As the Steelers look to solidify their quarterback situation for 2025, the prospect of acquiring Kirk Cousins remains a viable, though complicated, option. While Cousins may not be the flashy, high-profile choice that Aaron Rodgers could represent, he brings experience, stability, and consistency to a team that needs a reliable signal-caller.

However, with Cousins’ sizable contract still standing in the way of a trade, the Steelers will need to carefully weigh the financial and roster implications before making a move. Ultimately, if the Falcons are willing to negotiate on salary, Pittsburgh could potentially make a move to acquire Cousins and plug the gap at quarterback. Only time will tell whether this option becomes a reality, but the Steelers’ interest in the veteran quarterback is a story to watch as the offseason continues to unfold.