As the NFL world awaits Aaron Rodgers's decision, the Steelers should not be sitting on their hands. They cannot let Rodgers's process shove them into a corner if he decides to sign elsewhere. Russell Wilson is their backup plan if Rodgers decides to sign elsewhere in free agency. Pittsburgh doesn't seem thrilled with running it back with Wilson.
If they wanted Wilson to return, they would've re-signed him already. He wasn't their second option after Justin Fields jetted to New York. Wilson might be their third (or even last choice) at the quarterback position in 2025. Free agency is getting most of the attention, but Steelers general manager Omar Khan has shown he is not afraid to swing for the fences via trade.
Some have mentioned acquiring Kyler Murray in a blockbuster deal, but no reputable sources jumped aboard that train. However, Pittsburgh's next quarterback could be available on the trade block with Kirk Cousins. He is only one year into a massive contract he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. His is costly against the salary cap, but it sounds like Atlanta is willing to help on that front.
Cousins might not save the franchise, but he could pose an interesting choice for Khan.
Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins could be the perfect bridge quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Atlanta is coming off a bumpy season that saw mixed results. Cousins began the campaign as the starter, but rookie Michael Penix Jr. was breathing down his neck. After a season to forget, Cousins got benched, and the rookie provided a spark to their offense. Many thought Cousins would take the Falcons to a new level, but the opposite happened.
The veteran gun-gunslinger went into last year after recovering from an Achilles tear, which can be tricky. Perhaps another year removed from that injury will allow him to return to form. He is a respected locker room guy in the NFL, which the Steelers need with egotistical players on their team. Pittsburgh has the weapons to help Cousins get off the retirement tracks he is currently on.
This trade idea makes sense if the Falcons are willing to pay most of his cap hit during the remainder of his contract. The Steelers cannot afford to gamble on taking on his massive deal, even if it comes at a low cost to acquire. Atlanta must pay around half his remaining money, so Pittsburgh considers it. That would result in a cheaper contract than Rodgers or Wilson will receive.
Cousins wouldn't be terrific, but he would be a solid bridge quarterback for Mike Tomlin to work with. Khan could also cut bait from the veteran signal-caller after this upcoming season or the year after and save tons of cap space.
If the Falcons took a sixth or seventh-round pick with money retention, it would be chaotic for the Steelers not to seriously consider this option at the most vital position in football.
