Steelers may have notable backup plan if Aaron Rodgers does not sign

Pittsburgh, PA – March 29, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Steelers are holding their breath as Aaron Rodgers mulls his NFL future, but they’re not sitting idle. More than a week after the four-time MVP visited their facility, the 41-year-old remains unsigned, fueling speculation he might retire or wait out the offseason for a sweeter deal. With their quarterback room thinning, Pittsburgh is reportedly lining up a notable contingency plan: former Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins.

Rodgers’ indecision has left the Steelers scrambling. Russell Wilson bolted to the New York Giants, and Justin Fields inked a two-year pact with the New York Jets when free agency kicked off on March 12. That leaves Mason Rudolph as the lone arm on the roster—a reliable backup, but hardly the answer to snap Pittsburgh’s eight-year playoff win drought. Enter Cousins, a name gaining traction as a potential savior if Rodgers slips away.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Sunday that Pittsburgh would likely pursue the Atlanta Falcons’ veteran if Rodgers opts out. Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta in 2024, with $100 million guaranteed. But after the Falcons committed to rookie Michael Penix Jr., they kept Cousins on the payroll with a hefty roster bonus rather than cutting him loose, hoping to offload his contract via trade. His full no-trade clause gives him veto power, yet sources suggest he’d greenlight a move to Pittsburgh.

The Steelers’ desperation could make them a fit. With $10-15 million in cap space, they’d need Atlanta to eat significant salary—say, $20 million of his $40 million 2025 cap hit—to make it work. Cousins threw for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024 before losing his spot, offering a proven—if pricey—upgrade over Rudolph. Still, fans on X are skeptical: “Cousins over a draft QB? Risky” (@SteelCityFan). If Rodgers says no, Pittsburgh might just roll the dice.