Steelers named possible landing spot for embattled $180 million quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved their quarterback situation in 2024 by signing Russell Wilson to be their starter. Wilson missed the first six games due to a calf injury but returned in Week 7 and has elevated the offense since then.

But the future under center in Pittsburgh is murky beyond this season, as Wilson is set to be a free agent. His backup, Justin Fields, will also hit the open market and is likely to seek out a team that gives him a chance to start if it isn’t the Steelers.

While it’s looking like Wilson and the Steelers will continue their relationship in 2025, that isn’t guaranteed. And, with that in mind, For The Win’s Cory Woodroof thinks it’s possible the Steelers bring in Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins should Wilson leave in free agency.

“If the Steelers don’t run it back with Russell Wilson, could Cousins be an ideal replacement? If Arthur Smith returns to call plays next spring, Cousins could be an ideal system quarterback for an offense with a heavy run game,” Woodroof wrote. “Pittsburgh would also give Cousins the kind of defense he hasn’t had in quite some time. If Cousins can round form, the Steelers might be a perfect fit. He and Smith could be kindred spirits after they both failed to latch on in Atlanta for the long haul, too.”

Cousins figures to be available in the offseason after the Falcons decided to bench him in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. However, the Falcons will likely look to trade Cousins first instead of simply releasing him.

The veteran signal-caller signed a four-year, $180 million deal in the offseason, but he only has $27.5 million left in guaranteed money, which makes his contract tradeable.

Considering the soaring price of starting quarterbacks in this day and age, that’s not a lot of money. That said, Cousins may not even be worth that after what we’ve seen from him this season.

The only way the Steelers will have interest is if they lose both Wilson and Fields in free agency, which seems unlikely. Pittsburgh could then pivot to a trade for Cousins, and while the veteran quarterback has a no-trade clause, it’s safe to assume he’d waive it for a chance to play for the Steelers.