New Landing Spot Emerges for Kirk Cousins
If Aaron Rodgers takes too long to decide his retirement fate — or just retires — the Pittsburgh Steelers will reportedly turn to former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, according to NFL insider Jason La Canfora.
Pittsburgh’s Rodgers delay may have opened another path for Cousins.
Unsurprisingly, Rodgers is taking his sweet time on the retirement decision, and that may bode well for Cousins, who is available after the Atlanta Falcons severed ties this week.
The Steelers Could Become a Real Option for Cousins
Cousins is unemployed for the first time in his NFL career.
La Canfora: Cousins to PIT Is the Fallback Plan
It might be two-old-warhorse race in Pittsburgh.
La Canfora wrote this week, “The Steelers will not be waiting nearly as long for word from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers about his intent to play football as they did a year ago, and the team is working to procure other options at quarterback in the meantime.”
“Former Vikings playoff quarterback Kirk Cousins is among the top options for Pittsburgh if Rodgers is not back, according to league sources, while the team is legitimately high on the upside of second-year quarterback Will Howard as well. The Steelers cannot afford to let Rodgers drag the process out too long, although the team is also unlikely to take a chance on some of the other back-up options floating around.”
In addition to Rodgers or Cousins, the Steelers could explore drafting a rookie passer in April, such as Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, Garrett Nussmeier, or Drew Allar.
Waiting on Rodgers
Rodgers told the media last summer that 2025 would likely be his final season, but after his team suffered a one-and-done fate — that felt all too predictable — he wouldn’t commit to retirement or a return. That was hours after the Steelers’ loss. He said that the time wasn’t appropriate for the decision, needing time to process everything.
Two months later, Rodgers still hasn’t made a decision, but he mentioned last week that Pittsburgh hadn’t extended him an offer. Eventually, Rodgers must decide to return for Year No. 22 or walk away. Until then, nobody knows the identity of Pittsburgh’s QB1.
La Canfora added about the Steelers’ offseason mindset: “The Steelers were not interested in Miami former starter Tua Tagovailoa, according to sources, given his injury history, suspect play in recent years and well-documented failures to produce in cold weather.”
“The Steelers remain in the mode of reaching the postseason, and continue to add assets on offense, acquiring receiver Michael Pittman from Indianapolis. Contrary to some offseason reports, the Steelers have no interest in trading DK Metcalf, whom they acquiring from Seattle a year ago, never entertained any trade talks concerning him and plan to pair him with Pittman.”
Most fans didn’t see a Pittman trade coming, but he will pair nicely with Metcalf.
La Canfora continued, “Cousins is a quick learner, performed much better in the second half of the season with Atlanta and is now fully recovered from an Achilles injury that marred much of his time with the Falcons.”
“Pittsburgh would ideally pair a proven veteran starter with Howard, who they believe improved significantly in their first year as a pro after being selected in the sixth round and has potential starting upside but needs more time to develop.”
Cousins, Mike McCarthy, and the Weapons
If Cousins gets tapped on the shoulder by Pittsburgh, he’ll work with McCarthy, whose resume with quarterbacks is quite stellar.
Cousins would also work alongside these weapons:
- DK Metcalf (WR)
- Michael Pittman (WR)
- Jaylen Warren (RB)
- Rico Dowdle (RB)
- Kaleb Johnson (RB)
- Pat Freiermuth (TE)
- Darnell Washington (TE)
- Roman Wilson (WR)
The Steelers also finished 2025 with a Top 10 offensive line, according to Pro Football Focus, which Cousins might need because he can’t operate off schedule too often at age 37.
Other Cousins Spots?
If Pittsburgh is not an option for Cousins, several other teams may be interested:
- Cleveland Browns
- Indianapolis Colts
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Minnesota Vikings
- New York Jets
The San Francisco 49ers are also worth monitoring. General Manager John Lynch could make a surprising move — perhaps trading Mac Jones to a team like the Browns for draft capital — and then offer Cousins a reasonable contract. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has long admired Cousins, and their rapport is well-established.
Alternatively, Cousins could remain patient. Each season, starting quarterbacks inevitably suffer injuries. By waiting, Cousins could position himself as an appealing solution for a team suddenly in need of an experienced replacement. The scenario is not without precedent. In 2025, for example, the Colts and Bengals experienced quarterback injuries, and a dependable veteran like Cousins would have been a valuable asset.
Furthermore, waiting allows Cousins to bypass training camp and join a team midseason, potentially providing a spark.
Cousins will turn 38 in August.
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