The Pittsburgh Steelers have multiple issues on offense currently, as the team does not have a sure starting solution at quarterback and needs more playmakers in the passing game.
The expectation is that Aaron Rodgers is going to sign with the Steelers at some point, but as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted, the future Hall of Fame quarterback hasn’t committed to playing for Pittsburgh yet.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have a wide receiver problem after trading away George Pickens, which leaves them in need of a new running mate for DK Metcalf.
With all that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed a massive trade between the Steelers and Atlanta Falcons that nets Pittsburgh a quarterback in Kirk Cousins and a new playmaker in tight end Kyle Pitts.
The proposal and write-up from Knox is as follows:
- Steelers receive: TE Kyle Pitts, QB Kirk Cousins
- Falcons get: 2026 2nd-round pick, 2026 5th-round pick, 2027 4th-round pick
“Tight end isn’t a massive need for the Steelers because they have Pat Freiermuth atop the depth chart,” Knox explained. “Pittsburgh lacks potent pass-catchers after Freiermuth and DK Metcalf, however, and could provide a strong schematic fit for Pitts.
“Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was Atlanta’s head coach when Pitts was drafted. This is a package trade that could probably only happen if Rodgers shuns the Steelers — or if Pittsburgh surprisingly decides to pivot away from him. Should that happen, however, it might also be the best possible outcome for all involved.”
Cousins is on the trade block after being benched for Michael Penix Jr. in 2024, and the Steelers have been linked to Cousins throughout the offseason thanks to their obvious need at quarterback.
As for Pitts, FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports that the former first-round pick has drawn trade interest from teams but notes that “nothing is imminent” and the Falcons “prefer to keep him.”
Pitts has been a major disappointment during his career after failing to match what he did during his rookie season but is still an above-average pass-catcher who would certainly help with Pittsburgh’s problem.
The fact that the Steelers have Freiermuth wouldn’t stop Pitts from seeing the field. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense has room for two tight ends to thrive, and Pitts isn’t a typical tight end with his ability to line up in the slot and out wide.
It’s worth noting, however, that the Florida product has already had a go-around in Smith’s offense when he was the head coach in Atlanta and it didn’t go well overall.
Pitts did have his lone 1,000-yard campaign under Smith, but he followed that up with 356 yards in 10 games and 667 yards in 17 games in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Pittsburgh should really be sinking its resources into a traditional wide receiver who can make an impact across from Metcalf, but Pitts wouldn’t be a terrible fallback option.
Cousins is a more realistic target for the Steelers, but only if Rodgers doesn’t sign.
He’s is coming off a season in which he looked like a shell of himself, but there’s hope Cousins can bounce back now that he’s one year removed from a torn Achilles.
Cousins is no doubt a less-than ideal option, especially when you consider that the Steelers will have to give up draft capital and possibly take on a substantial portion of the guaranteed money left on his deal.
But, at this point, the Steelers are in such a precarious spot that taking a flyer on the veteran signal-caller might be something they’re forced to do in order to have a chance to make something out of 2025.
