NFL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers Linked to Kirk Cousins

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a contingency plan. While speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Peter Schrager suggested he believes Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins "is a viable trade candidate if Aaron Rodgers doesn't land in Pittsburgh."

"I still think Kirk Cousins is a viable trade candidate if Aaron Rodgers doesn't land in Pittsburgh..

I would keep an eye on that one" ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/XGatpxW3S5
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 8, 2025

Rodgers has been linked to the Steelers since March, but he has yet to sign and has even entertained the possibility of retirement.

The Steelers have also failed to land a credible alternative to Rodgers so far. Mason Rudolph currently sits atop their depth chart, and the only quarterback they took in the draft was Will Howard in the sixth round.

Cousins has been rendered disposable on the Falcons. After a promising 4-2 start, he became untenable as a starter late in the 2024 season. The 36-year-old veteran threw a league-high 16 interceptions and fumbled an NFL-high 13 times over his 14 starts, leaving the Falcons no choice but to bench him for 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix.

Impact

The Steelers are right to begin considering alternatives to Rodgers. The four-time MVP is no longer worth this level of uncertainty. He has been thoroughly ineffectual over his past three seasons, amassing a 14-21 record while averaging 5.85 net yards per passing attempt and 216.9 passing yards per game.

Worst of all, if Rodgers eventually elects to retire, the Steelers could be left empty-handed. Cousins is nearly five years younger than Rodgers and has thoroughly outplayed him since 2022, amassing a 24-15 record while averaging 6.51 net yards per passing attempt and 266.3 passing yards per game.

The Steelers are better off throwing the dice on Cousins, even if it costs them a 2026 draft pick. Given their current cap situation, they should be able to afford him, particularly if the Falcons are willing to absorb some guaranteed money. Depending on how desperate the Falcons are to move on, there's even a possibility Cousins could be cheaper than Rodgers.

Neither Cousins nor Rodgers is likely to transform the Steelers into an elite offense. The Steelers just dealt wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and neither passer is at the point in their career where they can single-handedly elevate a middling roster. Ultimately, the Steelers will probably be looking for a new quarterback again in 2026.