NFL insider Tom Pelissero revealed that the Pittsburgh Steelers inquired about trading for Kirk Cousins last year, but the Atlanta Falcons declined to engage. With Aaron Rodgers' future uncertain, Cousins could emerge as a backup option. Pelissero noted that Cousins is now a free agent.
The Pittsburgh Steelers contacted the Atlanta Falcons last offseason about a potential trade for quarterback Kirk Cousins, according to NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero. Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Pelissero stated, “Kirk Cousins is the one, and I know that they called on him last year and the Falcons at the time didn’t want to trade him, didn’t want to engage in trade talks, but now Kirk Cousins is free.” He added that Cousins “potentially could be an option if they pivot away from Aaron Rodgers, which hasn’t happened yet.” The Steelers are awaiting a decision from Rodgers on whether he will return for a second season in Pittsburgh. Pelissero dismissed other names like Russell Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo as possibilities for the team. This disclosure confirms prior rumors and underscores the Steelers' interest in veteran quarterbacks amid uncertainty at the position. Rookie Will Howard, whom the team views highly, has yet to play in an NFL game due to injury and could benefit from a mentor like Cousins. Cousins performed well last season in Atlanta after replacing an injured Michael Penix Jr. While signing him might position Cousins as the starter, it would not block Howard's development. In a quarterback-weak draft class, such a move aligns with the Steelers' strategy of relying on experienced players while evaluating younger talent.
