NFL Insider Provides Concerning Aaron Rodgers Update Ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers OTA

The Steelers are on the clock to find their next starting quarterback and if they miss out on Aaron Rodgers then Kirk Cousins is a good alternative option.

NFL Insider Provides Concerning Aaron Rodgers Update Ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers OTA

Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly scoped out a backup option if Aaron Rodgers reconsiders signing a contract with them. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Plan B for the Steelers is Kirk Cousins.

It has been an interesting offseason for Mike Tomlin’s crew. When Justin Fields and Russell Wilson signed for the Steelers in 2024, most fans thought they were in for the long haul. However, the brass decided to move on from them after just one year.

This was a surprising move from the AFC North franchise. Even though Wilson and Fields’ partnership wasn’t perfect, the Steelers still crept into the playoffs. Moreover, Wilson wanted to extend his stay, but the front office showed little interest in listening to his plea.

Tomlin’s and general manager Omar Khan’s focus had already shifted to a different quarterback. Right around this time, the New York Jets cut ties with veteran Aaron Rodgers after two years. The Steelers viewed this as a great opportunity and made the first move on him.

The Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants were also in the mix. Rodgers preferred a move to the Vikings, but the NFC North club committed to starting their second-year QB, JJ McCarthy. Meanwhile, the Giants ended their pursuit by signing Wilson.

Pittsburgh remained the only definitive place for Rodgers to go. He spoke with the owner, Art Rooney, who revealed that Rodgers wanted to be part of the Steelers franchise. When everything seemed done and dusted, the Steelers hit a roadblock. Instead of signing a contract, Rodgers ghosted them.

Sources close to both Rodgers and the Steelers hinted that the 4x NFL MVP has a verbal agreement in place, but decisions in the NFL change frequently.

The Steelers may sign Kirk Cousins if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t agree to become their quarterback

Tomlin’s boys start their OTAs on Tuesday, May 27. It looks unlikely that they will complete the Rodgers deal by then. There’s doubt in the Steelers’ building that the team might have to practice without a designated starting quarterback in their ranks until training camp.

NFL Insider Provides Concerning Aaron Rodgers Update Ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers OTA
Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Rodgers is infamous for ignoring preseason camps. If he continues to evade signing a new deal, then Khan must find someone else. One name that has been thrown around a lot is Kirk Cousins. The veteran lost his starting job last season at the Atlanta Falcons and is earning $45 million per year.

The Falcons still have to pay Cousins $37.5 million in guarantees between this year and the next.

Somebody’s on the hook for that money, whether it’s $4 million, $20 million, or whatever it is. But the feeling around the league is that Atlanta has not been willing to budge on this. They haven’t shown a lot of interest in trading Cousins. It would take a hefty price tag for another team to wiggle that out.

Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter

The Steelers ignored the option to draft a quarterback in the first round to keep the spot warm for Rodgers. They selected Will Howard in the sixth and brought back Mason Rudolph.

It’s not as if Rodgers isn’t interested. He has been dealing with issues outside of football and hinted that he isn’t retiring yet. So the Steelers fans should remain optimistic about the future Hall of Famer wearing the black and gold.

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