Insider suggests the Steelers might turn to Kirk Cousins if they fail to sign Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is running out of time. Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan may have a soft spot for him, but if they lose out on the four-time NFL MVP, Kirk Cousins will be their next target.

Cousins is suddenly on the front pages after staying quiet for most of the free agency window. He’s contracted to the Atlanta Falcons, but there’s a very slim chance for the 36-year-old to start over Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.

The Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, spoke with Cousins, and he wants to play regularly. He wants to go somewhere where he can be the starter.

Cousins turned heads after showing up at a Chipotle restaurant in Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns, similar to their AFC North rivals, are also hunting for a starting quarterback despite signing Kenny Pickett. Fans thought Cousins was in Cleveland to meet with Andrew Berry, but in a recent interview with Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns general manager denied such rumors.

Cabot linked Cousins with the Steelers instead.

The [other] team still needing a quarterback right now is the Steelers, who have the No. 21 pick in the draft. If they don’t land Aaron Rodgers, they’ll likely be interested in Cousins.

Mary Kay Cabot wrote

Cabot also mentioned the Steelers eyeing Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.

[The Steelers] also seemingly have their eye on Milroe at 21, and if they draft him, Cousins would have to decide if that’s the right spot for him.

Mary Kay Cabot wrote

Why #Falcons QB Kirk Cousins was in Cleveland, why a #Browns trade would require a tricky trifecta, and who else might be interested in him —> https://t.co/vCwZogZ4vC

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 30, 2025

Rodgers visited the Steelers facility last week and stayed longer than most free agents do. Yet, he left without signing a contract.

It was really good to spend some time together, man, and get to know each other more intimately, but it is free agency. It is a process. I have nothing of any more significance to add other than that.

Mike Tomlin said to ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor when asked about Rodgers’ visit

Tomlin on Aaron Rodgers’ visit: “It was really good to spend some time together man and get to know each other more intimately, but it is free agency. It is a process. I have nothing of any more significance to add other than that.”

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) March 30, 2025

As for Cousins, he earned more than $100 million in Atlanta by only playing 14 games for the Falcons. If the Steelers don’t sign him, then it’s best to sit out and see if a quarterback picks up an injury during the season.

Kirk Cousins’ first season with the Atlanta Falcons was underwhelming

Cousins garnered much admiration from the Minnesota Vikings fans during his spell in the Twin City. His final season, however, didn’t pan out the way he envisioned. He lasted until week 8 before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. That was the last time the fans saw him in a Vikings jersey.

After a short while, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons. Head coach Raheem Morris named Cousins as the starter even after Berry drafted Penix at eighth overall.

Kirk Cousins started off by losing two of the first three games before winning the next three. A 509-yard and 4-touchdown outing against divisional rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, got the Falcons fans dreaming.

However, Cousins won just twice in the next six games, throwing 9 combined interceptions before Penix replaced him. The Falcons failed to qualify for the playoffs for another year, finishing 8-9.

Despite the demotion, the Falcons remained confident Cousins would stay with them for the 2025 season, but he has zero intention of sitting on the bench. The Steelers are the latest name linked with the 4x Pro Bowler, but until Rodgers decides his future, Cousins needs to sit tight and wait.

#Browns GM Andrew Berry confirms what's been previously reported, that Kirk Cousins' visit to Cleveland last week (Chipotle, City BBQ) "had nothing to do with the #Browns."

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 30, 2025

The Steelers should sign Aaron Rodgers

Khan received ample criticism from the Steelers fans for pursuing Rodgers because of his polarizing persona. However, Tomlin’s no stranger to dealing with such athletes on his roster. So, if anyone can handle Rodgers, it’s Tomlin.

The Steelers should sign Rodgers over Cousins. Despite the Jets’ 5-12 season, Rodgers threw 28 touchdowns and completed 63% of his passes while standing behind a below-average offensive line.

Cousins may possess the arm, but he’s way less accurate than the 41-year-old. He led the league with 16 interceptions even though he appeared in 14 games.

The only downside to signing Rodgers is his salary demands. According to league sources, Rodgers wants close to a two-year, $70 million deal from his new team. With Rodgers, the Steelers only need to take care of the money, but they need to trade for Cousins because he is still under contract with the Falcons. The trade may include a third-round pick.

Pryor asked Tomlin about a Plan B if they miss out on Rodgers.

I don’t know if we are identifying anything as plan A, plan B, or plan C. We’re just simply looking at the field of available people, whether it’s FA or the draft and making decisions and gathering info accordingly.

Mike Tomlin replied

What's "plan B" if Rodgers decides to go elsewhere or retire"

"I don't know if we are identifying anything as plan A, plan B or plan C. We're just simply looking at the field of available people, whether it's FA or the draft and making decisions and gathering info accordingly."

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) March 30, 2025

The Steelers do have a Plan B. Mason Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh, and they hold a high enough draft pick to take either Milroe or Jaxson Dart.

Related: Dak Prescott, who is the highest-paid player in NFL history, is the only NFC East QB without a conference championship appearance