NFL insider says Steelers are among top teams to watch regarding trade for Pro Bowl quarterback if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
At some point, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to move on from Aaron Rodgers. That could be as soon as the NFL Draft, if they decide a certain rookie quarterback is their best bet. But they have one other veteran on their radar, according to Dianna Rusinni… Kirk Cousins on Steelers' trade radar? A quarterback […]
At some point, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to move on from Aaron Rodgers.
That could be as soon as the NFL Draft, if they decide a certain rookie quarterback is their best bet.
But they have one other veteran on their radar, according to Dianna Rusinni…
Kirk Cousins on Steelers' trade radar?
A quarterback room of Mason Rudolph and former Dolphins backup Skylar Thompson is closer to a cry for help than a realistic scenario in 2025. And while Rodgers feels likely, already this offseason Pittsburgh missed on Matthew Stafford, and saw both Justin Fields (Jets) and Russell Wilson (Giants) skip town.
If [Shedeur] Sanders doesn’t fall, the Steelers could reach for prospects like Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough or Jalen Milroe.
But in a draft year defined by Day 2 quarterback talent, the Steelers are without a second-round pick (due to the DK Metcalf trade). If they miss during the draft, their last remaining option is trading the Falcons for Kirk Cousins.
– Dianna Rusinni, The Athletic
The move to trade for Cousins would be an interesting one for Pittsburgh. A stable veteran in his own right, Cousins doesn't have the resume of Rodgers, but he does have the same Achilles injury that plagued his 2024 season as well, leading to his benching with the Atlanta Falcons.
Optimistically speaking, Cousins is five years the junior of Rodgers and will be a year away from a year away of the achilles tear, which is when players tend to return to form.
It is both ironic and concerning, however, that the Steelers top two veteran options at quarterback are two players who recently had Achilles tears and are coming off less than great years, with one being cut (Rodgers and New York Jets) and the other potentially being shopped via trade (Cousins).
But I expect a rookie to be more of a viable option at starting quarterback than giving up capital for Kirk Cousins.
Oh and I know Mason Rudolph seems like the true last resort, but not in the minds of the Steelers brass…
“We're optimistic about the room that we're constructing," added Tomlin. "Obviously, we're excited about having Mason Rudolph back. But certainly we're going to continue to explore all our options in terms of rounding that room out.”
