Steelers Pivot? Veteran Quarterback Emerges As Trade Target

With quarterback Aaron Rodgers still weighing his future, the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for all possibilities. If Rodgers turns down their standing offer—whether to pivot to the New York Giants, retire, or hold out hope for the Minnesota Vikings—the Steelers are ready to move on.

Enter Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Cousins, 36, was benched after Week 14 in favor of Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr., who is now firmly the future in Atlanta. 

Cousins made it clear he wants a shot to start elsewhere, and the Falcons are doing right by him, asking for a modest third-round pick in return (per Josina Anderson). That's an acceptable price for a proven, if aging, starting quarterback. 

Financially, Atlanta is in no rush. Despite headlines about a $10M bonus, here’s the reality: Cousins already received $62.5 million in 2024, and while he’s owed $27.5 million fully guaranteed in 2025, his next $10 million bonus doesn’t fully guarantee until March 2026.

Thanks to Penix’s rookie contract (approximately $5 million against the cap in 2025), the Falcons can easily afford a combined $29.3 million in cash and a $45.2 million cap hit for their top two QBs in 2025. With the option to restructure, they could lower Cousins’ cap hit even further—making this a flexible setup while trade talks unfold.

Cousins wants to start. The Steelers want a proven vet if Rodgers walks. The price is manageable. He comes with risks, of course, entering his age-37 season with his growing list of injuries. But in terms of starting-caliber options, Cousins is as strong, if not stronger, than the remaining options. 

If Rodgers says no, Cousins to Pittsburgh could go from fallback to fast track in a matter of days.