The Pittsburgh Steelers have likely been exploring contingency plans to prepare for the possibility of Aaron Rodgers not signing with them, and a former Pro Bowl quarterback might be on their radar.
Rodgers visited with the Steelers over a week ago, but the 41-year-old remains a free agent. There has been growing speculation that he could wait for a better opportunity to come along or decide not to play at all in 2025.
The situation with Rodgers has led many to wonder if the Steelers have a backup plan. Russell Wilson has signed with the New York Giants, so bringing him back is no longer an option. Justin Fields signed a two-year deal with the New York Jets at the start of free agency. Mason Rudolph remains on Pittsburgh’s roster, but is he the best option after Rodgers?
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com wrote on Sunday that the Steelers would likely have interest in Kirk Cousins if they were unable to land Rodgers.
The contract would be the big obstacle if Pittsburgh did wind up needing to pursue Cousins. Cousins signed a 4-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason that includes $100 million guaranteed. The Falcons are committed to Michael Penix Jr., but they recently chose to pay Cousins a healthy bonus rather than releasing him. Atlanta is still holding out hope that a team will trade for Cousins and take on at least some of the quarterback’s contract.
Only a desperate team would do that. The Steelers might qualify if they cannot sign Rodgers.
Cousins has a full no-trade clause and is reportedly prepared to use that power to avoid one outcome. Should the Steelers become interested, the 36-year-old would likely be willing to approve a deal.
