NFL Analyst Reveals Steelers Have a $20,000,000 Contingency Plan if Aaron Rodgers Deal Falls Through

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers has hinted at joining the Pittsburgh Steelers all offseason, but he has yet to sign on the dotted line. That has left Steeler Nation in a state of uncertainty, with anxiety building each day Rodgers is not on the roster.

While the fanbase seems to be all-in on Rodgers, the team has remained flexible. According to one report, the Steelers are even keeping tabs on at least one other veteran quarterback option in case the Rodgers situation does not work out.

Kirk Cousins Viewed as ‘Plan B’ to Aaron Rodgers

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers have an expensive contingency plan if Rodgers retires or plays elsewhere in 2025. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is “at the very least” on the Steelers’ radar in a Plan B scenario.

#Steelers have sights set on Aaron Rodgers and have Mason Rudolph in the fold – is Kirk Cousins a viable Plan B?@SportsCenter with @aminajadeTV pic.twitter.com/E7rmr6WWDG

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN)

“So Rodgers Plan A, Kirk Cousins could be a viable Plan B,” Fowler mentioned on SportsCenter. “After making some calls today, I do believe he’s been on their radar. If something were to fall through with Rodgers, certainly, they could reconvene, call Atlanta, and see if they could shake something out. But right now, Rodgers is their guy.”

Cousins’ Contract Could Complicate Things Between Falcons and Steelers

After 12 seasons split between Washington and Minnesota, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last offseason. He started 14 games last season before being benched for rookie first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons’ selection of Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft shocked many across the league, but in hindsight, it looks like a genius decision. Cousins looked like a shell of himself last season, while Penix Jr. flashed during his limited snaps.

While Cousins struggled last season, he would be a solid Plan B option for the Steelers. He should be healthier this season and would immediately provide an upgrade over the quarterback trio of Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson.

Unfortunately, the quarterback’s contract may complicate things between the Falcons and Steelers. The Falcons reportedly “asked teams interested in trading for Cousins before last month’s draft to take on at least $20 million of his remaining $37.5 million guaranteed.”

That may be wishful thinking on the part of the Falcons, but they refuse to give Cousins away for free. The team is willing to play the long game and wait for a desperate team to make an offer. If Rodgers turns them down, the Steelers could be forced to give in to their demands.