With the Atlanta Falcons expected to release Kirk Cousins ahead of the new league year, the veteran quarterback is suddenly one of the most intriguing names on the open market. At 37, Cousins isn’t just facing a career crossroads-he’s standing at the intersection of retirement, a possible reunion with Minnesota, a potential TV gig, or one more run with a new team.
And while a trade seems improbable given the structure of his contract, Cousins is still a name that could shake up the quarterback landscape-especially if he’s cut loose and free to choose his next destination. One scenario that's been floated? A surprise landing spot in Pittsburgh.
Could Cousins Fit in Pittsburgh?
Bleacher Report’s Brant Sobleski recently tossed out five hypothetical trades that would flip the NFL on its head, and one of them had Cousins heading to the Steelers. On the surface, it’s a fascinating idea-especially when you consider the coaching connection now in place.
New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy brought in Brian Angelichio as his offensive coordinator. Angelichio spent two years working closely with Cousins in Minnesota as the Vikings’ pass game coordinator and tight ends coach. That familiarity could make Pittsburgh a comfortable landing spot if Cousins is looking for a system he already knows and trusts.
And let’s be honest-Pittsburgh hasn’t exactly had quarterback stability since Ben Roethlisberger hung up the cleats. Kenny Pickett was supposed to be the answer, but his development has been inconsistent, and the Steelers are still searching for a long-term solution under center.
The Draft Dilemma
Part of what makes this conversation interesting is the 2026 NFL Draft class. It’s not exactly loaded with surefire quarterback talent.
Fernando Mendoza is widely viewed as the top prospect, but beyond him, there’s a drop-off. Carson Beck and Ty Simpson have shown flashes in college, but there’s real skepticism about whether either can be a franchise cornerstone.
For a team like Pittsburgh, which has been stuck in QB limbo, rolling the dice on another mid-tier prospect might not be the move. Cousins, for all the criticism he’s taken over the years, brings proven production, veteran leadership, and the ability to win games-something the Steelers need right now, not three years down the road.
The Rodgers Factor
Of course, there’s a twist. With McCarthy now in charge, there’s buzz that Aaron Rodgers could be in line for a reunion with his former Packers head coach. If Rodgers becomes available-and all signs point to that being a real possibility-it’s hard to imagine the Steelers passing up a chance to pair McCarthy and Rodgers once again.
That reunion could close the door on Cousins heading to Pittsburgh, at least for now. And it’s worth noting that even if the Steelers were interested, Cousins’ current contract complicates things.
While his 2026 salary of $2.1 million is manageable, he’s set to earn a fully guaranteed $67.9 million in 2027 if not released before March 13. That’s a massive number, and one that makes a trade unlikely.
What Comes Next for Cousins?
The only thing that seems certain is that Cousins won’t be suiting up for the Falcons next season. What happens after that?
That’s the big question. Whether it’s a return to Minnesota, a new start in a familiar system like Pittsburgh, or something completely unexpected, Cousins still has value in a league that’s always hungry for competent quarterback play.
He may not be the flashiest name on the board, but for a team looking for stability and leadership at the most important position in the game, Cousins could still be the answer-if the fit is right.