The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the mix for several viable starting quarterbacks who remain available via trade or free agency, primarily because they still don't have one.
Adam Schefter of ESPN authored a report on Monday, April 21, linking Pittsburgh to a trade with the Atlanta Falcons for four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Steelers are one of two teams thought to be seriously interested in Cousins, although not at Atlanta's current asking price.
"Atlanta has asked for any acquiring team to pay $20 million of the $37.5 million worth of guarantees left on Cousins' contract. To date, no has been willing to do that, and no team is expected to be willing to," Schefter wrote. "There is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million."
The Falcons paid Cousins $180 million ahead of last season but then replaced him in the starting lineup with Michael Penix Jr., whom they drafted at No. 8 overall in a move that shocked most of the league -- not to mention Cousins.
Reports around the NFL have indicated that Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, is looking for an opportunity to start in 2025. Minnesota can't offer him that, as J.J. McCarthy is set to take the reins in his second professional season.
Pittsburgh, however, is in a different position with only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster just three days ahead of the draft. The Steelers are a good bet to select a rookie QB at some point in the proceedings, though it is unclear who will be available to them at No. 21 in the first round, which will dictate whether they spend such a valuable pick on a signal caller in the first place.
Aaron Rodgers also remains an option in free agency, which would be less complicated than trading for Cousins, though he has dragged his feet on a decision for weeks.
