Steelers Weigh Kirk Cousins Backup Plan Amid Aaron Rodgers Uncertainty

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position for the 2025 season, with hopes initially pinned on signing veteran Aaron Rodgers, but that prospect is increasingly doubtful. As a backup plan, Kirk Cousins has emerged as a potential target, despite his high salary and underwhelming recent performance with the Atlanta Falcons, who have committed to rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins' acquisition would require financial negotiations due to his guaranteed contract, and the Falcons have been reluctant to release or trade him easily. If neither Rodgers nor Cousins join the team, the Steelers would likely rely on Mason Rudolph, sixth-round pick Will Howard, or backup Skylar Thompson, none of whom inspire strong confidence in fans or analysts. Meanwhile, the Steelers plan to draft a quarterback in 2026 to find a long-term solution, but rumors that top prospect Arch Manning might remain in college complicate those plans. Additionally, rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu is recovering from a season-ending injury and is expected to start at right tackle, with Broderick Jones moving back to left tackle, a move critical to the team's offensive line depth.