The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a potential quarterback shake-up. With Aaron Rodgers' future uncertain-either retirement or a move to another team-the Steelers are exploring their options.
Longtime backup Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard are in line for a shot at the starting role. But don’t count out the possibility of a seasoned veteran stepping in.
Enter Kirk Cousins as a potential candidate. According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, Cousins is high on Pittsburgh's list if Rodgers decides not to return. With the new league year kicking off on March 11, Cousins could soon be a free agent, ready to ink a deal with any team.
The Steelers have reportedly shown no interest in Tua Tagovailoa, who is set to join the Falcons. Meanwhile, Kyler Murray is eyeing a move to the Minnesota Vikings, adding another layer to this offseason quarterback carousel.
Why Cousins? Despite a torn Achilles in October 2023 that hampered his 2024 performance, Cousins bounced back impressively with the Falcons.
He posted a 5-2 record, throwing 10 touchdowns against five interceptions from Week 12 to Week 18 in 2025. La Canfora notes that Cousins is a quick study and showed marked improvement in the latter part of the season, now fully recovered from his injury.
Pairing a proven veteran like Cousins with the developing Howard could be a strategic move for Pittsburgh. The Steelers believe Howard, though yet to take a regular-season snap, has shown significant growth since being drafted and holds potential as a future starter.
As the Steelers await Rodgers' decision, the quarterback landscape is poised for intriguing developments. Whether they go with a veteran presence or nurture emerging talent, Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation will be one to watch.