Could Kirk Cousins Be the Answer to the Steelers’ Quarterback Question?
Two offseasons ago, the Atlanta Falcons made a bold move: they handed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal. At the time, Cousins was 36, coming off an Achilles injury, and still one of the most accurate and experienced passers in the league. But then came the twist - Atlanta used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a decision that raised more than a few eyebrows.
Penix, who entered the league older than most rookie QBs, was seen as NFL-ready. So why draft a quarterback who’d be pushing 28 by the time Cousins' contract ran out? That question lingered throughout the 2024 season - and the answer is becoming clearer.
Cousins opened the year as the starter and put up solid numbers: 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 14 games, leading the Falcons to a 7-7 record. But with the playoffs slipping out of reach and Penix waiting in the wings, Atlanta turned the page, benching Cousins for the final three games.
Fast forward to this past season, and Cousins found himself back in action when Penix went down. In eight starts, he led the Falcons to a 5-3 record, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just five picks. It was a reminder that even at 37, Cousins still has gas left in the tank.
Now, the Falcons are expected to release Cousins before the new league year begins in March - a move that would save them from paying out more guaranteed money and officially hand the keys to Penix. It’s a logical shift for a franchise looking to build around its young quarterback, but it also opens the door for Cousins to find a new home - and possibly a starting job - elsewhere.
One team to keep an eye on? The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh has been searching for stability under center since Ben Roethlisberger retired. While the team has cycled through quarterbacks in recent years, none have fully seized the role. Cousins, with his veteran savvy and proven production, could be the bridge the Steelers need - and perhaps more than that.
He’s a natural fit in Mike McCarthy’s West Coast-style offense, which leans heavily on quick reads, timing routes, and short-to-intermediate throws. Cousins has built his career on rhythm passing, operating efficiently out of play-action, and getting the ball out quickly - all traits that align perfectly with the Steelers’ offensive identity.
If Pittsburgh can pair Cousins with a strong run game and a defense that continues to play at a high level, the formula for success is already in place. The question becomes whether the Steelers want to continue down the path of veteran stopgaps or take a swing on a younger option in the 2026 draft.
Cousins will be 38 when next season kicks off. He’s not a long-term solution, but he might be the right short-term answer - someone who can stabilize the offense, elevate the talent around him, and give the Steelers a chance to compete while they evaluate their future at the position.
Whether it’s a one-year audition or a two-year bridge, Cousins brings leadership, consistency, and a track record of production. And for a team like Pittsburgh, that could be exactly what they need right now.