The Pittsburgh Steelers are running out of time to solve their quarterback situation. The team is set to take the field for mandatory minicamp on June 10, and there’s a chance Mason Rudolph or Will Howard will be taking QB1 reps during the three-day period.
The primary reason why Pittsburgh hasn’t been active in the quarterback market is Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers have been pursuing the veteran signal-caller for nearly two months, but he has yet to make a decision on his future and could end up retiring instead of playing another year.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero also stated during a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show that Rodgers hasn’t told Pittsburgh that he will sign with them at some point.
“I have been told that he has not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming,” Pelissero said. “There’s all these signs that he’s coming, but he has not affirmatively said ‘Hey, June 9th book me the ticket. I’m coming in and I’m going to join this team.’ That has not happened as of this point.”
With the Rodgers’ situation still unsolved, USA TODAY’s Jacob Camenker believes the Steelers should pursue Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins through a trade.
Should Rodgers spurn the Steelers at the altar, they will need to find a capable, veteran replacement to play ahead of Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Skylar Thompson. Cousins would be a plug-and-play fit and would be able to get the most out of the likes of DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth.
Cousins clearly wants a trade out of Atlanta, as the 36-year-old hasn’t been present at OTAs and expressed his desire to be a starter to members of the Falcons’ organization earlier in the offseason. Michael Penix Jr. is slated to be Atlanta’s starting quarterback in 2025, with Cousins as the backup.
Though he is coming off an abysmal 2024 campaign and is getting older, Cousins is one of the top remaining quarterback options on the market, and Pittsburgh should look to trade for him, with Rodgers not being transparent about his plans.
Cousins would fit well in Arthur Smith’s offense and could flourish in a unit that has a promising offensive line, capable No.1 receiver in DK Metcalf, and other playmakers such as tight end Pat Freiermuth and rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. If general manager Omar Khan can add another dynamic receiver to pair with Metcalf, the Steelers’ supporting cast would look even better.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has proven that he can win games with average quarterback play. Cousins may not be a high-level starter anymore, but the four-time Pro Bowler can provide adequate play and give Pittsburgh a chance to return to the playoffs in 2025. He will also come with less drama than Rodgers.
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