Steelers Eye Kirk Cousins as Potential Backup Plan Amid Rodgers Uncertainty
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The Pittsburgh Steelers, while still hopeful about landing Aaron Rodgers, are reportedly exploring option quarterback options, with veteran Kirk Cousins potentially in the mix.Even as late May approaches, the “Steel City” hasn’t solidified its quarterback situation, prompting the Steelers to consider contingency plans should the Rodgers deal fall through.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler suggests Cousins could be a viable candidate. the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback saw his position shift after the team drafted Michael Penix Jr.in the first round, potentially relegating Cousins to a backup role. This situation could make Cousins available via trade, offering the Steelers a seasoned alternative.
Cousins’ Mega-Contract Presents a Critically important Hurdle
the primary obstacle to a Cousins trade is his substantial contract.Last year, the 36-year-old signed a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. This financial commitment complicates any potential trade, as the Falcons woudl likely need to absorb a significant portion of his salary even after a transaction.
Atlanta would likely only consider a trade if the acquiring team is willing to shoulder a considerable portion of Cousins’ remaining salary.With Cousins guaranteed $37.5 million over the next two years,Atlanta’s ideal scenario likely involves another team covering around $20 million of that amount. This mirrors situations seen with other veteran quarterbacks; for example, when the Denver Broncos traded for Russell wilson, they restructured his contract, but still absorbed a significant cap hit.
The situation is reminiscent of the quarterback carousel seen in recent NFL offseasons. Teams are constantly evaluating their options and looking for ways to improve their chances of winning,
says former NFL general manager, Bill Polian. ESPN
Cousins’ absence from the start of OTAs (Organized Team Activities), while not mandatory, has also raised eyebrows. He joins teammates like Kyle Pitts (TE), Ray-Ray McCloud III (WR), Kaleb mcgary (RT), and Morgan Fox (DE) who also skipped the voluntary sessions. While these absences are not necessarily indicative of any issues, they do add another layer of intrigue to the situation.
One potential counterargument is that the Steelers already have Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph on their roster. However, neither has definitively established himself as a franchise quarterback, making the pursuit of a proven veteran like Cousins a potentially worthwhile endeavor. The Steelers, known for their stability and tradition, might see Cousins as a bridge to the future, providing a steady hand while developing younger talent.
Further inquiry is warranted into the Steelers’ long-term quarterback strategy. Are they truly committed to developing Pickett, or are they actively seeking a more immediate solution? Also, exploring the Falcons’ willingness to absorb salary in a potential Cousins trade is crucial to understanding the likelihood of such a deal.
Ultimately, whether the Steelers pursue Cousins will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including Rodgers’ decision, Cousins’ contract situation, and the Steelers’ overall assessment of their quarterback needs. For Steelers fans, the coming weeks promise to be filled with speculation and anticipation.
Key Statistics and comparisons
To better understand the viability of kirk Cousins as a potential option for the Pittsburgh Steelers, let’s compare his recent performance and contract situation alongside Aaron Rodgers’ and the Steelers’ current quarterback options.
| Player | Team | Age | Contract Status | 2023 Stats (Pass) | 2024 Guaranteed Earnings (Approx.) | Potential Impact for Steelers |
| —————— | ————- | — | ——————————– | ——————— | ————————————- | ——————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Kirk Cousins | Atlanta Falcons | 36 | 4yr/$180M ($100M guaranteed) | 2,331 Yds, 18 TDs, 6 INTs (8 games) | $37.5M | Provides a proven veteran presence; contract could be a significant hurdle. Offers experience and leadership. Potential bridge QB option. |
| Aaron Rodgers | New York Jets | 40 | 2yr/$75M (remaining, from prior) | 0 Yds, 0 TDs, 0 INTs (2023 injury)| $37M – $48M (Projected) | Elevates the Steelers immediate Super bowl chances. Offers elite talent and leadership.Potentially higher risk given injury history and age. |
| Kenny Pickett | Pittsburgh Steelers | 26 | Rookie Contract | 2,404 Yds, 6 TDs, 8 INTs (12 games) | $TBD | Unproven as a franchise QB; competition could foster growth. the situation could be more challenging with a veteran player. |
| Mason Rudolph | Tennessee Titans| 28 | 1yr/$TBD | 1,243 Yds, 6 TDs, 4 INTs (2023 with Steelers) | $TBD | Backup option with experience in matt Canada. Could be a reliable backup. |
Note: All the contract data is based on the latest available data and estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are the Steelers considering Kirk Cousins?
A: The Steelers are exploring options to secure their quarterback position due to uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers and the performance of their current quarterbacks. Kirk Cousins, a seasoned veteran, presents a potentially viable option if the Falcons are willing to trade him. He has a proven track record, which could make the team more triumphant with a strong quarterback in this position.
Q: What are the biggest hurdles to a potential trade for Cousins?
A: The primary obstacle is Cousins’ substantial contract with the Atlanta Falcons. His deal includes a large guaranteed amount remaining, which would require the Steelers (or any acquiring team) to absorb a significant portion of Cousins’ salary. This financial burden could be a major factor in negotiations as the Steelers will assess their budget cap.
Q: What is Kirk Cousins’ current contract situation?
A: Cousins signed a four-year,$180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024,with $100 million guaranteed. the exact financial impact on the Steelers if they were to trade for Cousins is a critical factor.
Q: What is the steelers’ current quarterback situation?
A: The Steelers currently have Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph on their roster. While Pickett was drafted to be their franchise quarterback, he has been not fully demonstrated consistent top-tier performance. Rudolph has shown a good leadership potential in the team too.
Q: How does Kirk Cousins compare to Aaron Rodgers?
A: Rodgers has a higher ceiling due to his more decorated career. Though Rodgers has had more success and an excellent reputation for performance, he brings also age and injury concerns which must be weighed. Cousins brings a wealth of experience and is coming off an injury-shortened season. The comparison includes the impact and potential success each QB could bring.
Q: What are the potential benefits of acquiring Cousins for the Steelers?
A: Cousins could provide a much-needed steady hand and leadership, bringing years of experience to a team looking to compete in the AFC. cousins’ presence can also help to protect the Steelers top rookies, and if needed he could groom a younger quarterback like Pickett. He could provide stability and potentially elevate the team’s overall performance.
Q: Why did Cousins miss OTAs?
A: Cousins’ absence from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) has sparked discussion. Though, voluntary sessions like these are not mandatory. Cousins is among multiple players who have skipped the organized training, but his absence doesn’t necessarily indicate any disputes, though it has added intrigue and fuel for public speculation.
Q: What are the future implications for the Steelers’ long-term quarterback strategy?
A: The Steelers must decide what their intentions are from here regarding Pickett’s development, and the immediate future success through a trade for a veteran like Cousins. They require a clear direction for their offensive strategy, and that involves addressing these questions. Depending on the answers,the Steelers’ decisions determine if they will prioritize a long-term approach by grooming their draft picks or choose a short-term approach by acquiring experienced players to compete promptly.
