The Pittsburgh Steelers have been waiting all offseason for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about the 2026 season. The team has reportedly extended an offer to Rodgers, but he has yet to make up his mind.
Fans are getting frustrated, feeling like the four-time MVP is stringing them along. If Rodgers chooses to retire or sign elsewhere, Pittsburgh doesn’t have many solid options.
The current quarterback room includes longtime backup Mason Rudolph, former Dolphins third-stringer Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard. That’s led to plenty of speculation about what the Steelers will do if Rodgers doesn’t end up in black and gold.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently said that if Rodgers doesn’t work out, Pittsburgh could at least consider a move for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Stephen A. Smith Torches Idea of Kirk Cousins to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Analyst and longtime Steelers fan Stephen A. Smith is known for his bold reactions. He rarely holds back, and his passionate takes have made him a polarizing figure in the sports world.
On a recent episode of “First Take”, Smith was asked about the possibility of Pittsburgh signing Cousins if Rodgers doesn’t join the team. He made it clear he’s not a fan of the idea.
“You mean Kirk Cousins that threw nine interceptions and one touchdown over the last five games?” Smith said when asked about the four-time Pro Bowler joining his favorite team.
“I don’t have any faith in Kirk Cousins. Hell no. There’s nothing that excites me, that enamors me, that tickles me in any way about Kirk Cousins being a Pittsburgh Steeler. Nothing at all,” Smith added.
Fowler: Kirk Cousins “at the very least” on Steelers’ radar if Aaron Rodgers falls through; Falcons currently unwilling to absorb much or any of $37.5M in guarantees left on contract to facilitate trade.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) May 26, 2025
While Smith’s over-the-top style can put him at odds with other Steelers fans, this time he’s speaking for a large part of the fan base.
Same Injury, Different Price: Why Aaron Rodgers Makes More Sense Than Cousins
Much like with Rodgers, fans say they might feel differently about Cousins if this were a few years ago — before the Achilles injury. Both quarterbacks tore their Achilles tendons early in the 2023 season. Both were more productive before the injury. In 2022, Cousins threw for 4,547 yards and 29 touchdowns with the Minnesota Vikings. That success helped him land a massive deal with Atlanta.
Even though both are nearing the end of their careers and dealing with the same injury, Rodgers is the more appealing option. Despite being older, he’s significantly cheaper.
Rodgers has said he’ll play for $10 million a year — small money for a former Super Bowl champ. Cousins, meanwhile, is still under his massive contract. Atlanta gave him a four-year, $180 million deal before the 2024 season. But they’re reportedly planning to start Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.
That means Atlanta is open to moving on from Cousins, but they want the new team to absorb at least $20 million of his remaining $37.5 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons. For the Steelers to add him, they’d need to take on a big chunk of that salary.
The Steelers have indicated they’re willing to move forward with Rudolph if needed. Still, it’s tough to imagine them finally winning a playoff game if he’s their guy under center.