The Atlanta Falcons, under head coach Kevin Stefanski, recently released veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. He played for two seasons and earned $100M. The Falcons now have Miami Dolphins longtime signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year, $1. 2M deal.
Now what happens to Cousins? Well, he may find a home in Pittsburgh. According to NFL Insider Jason La Canfora, the 37-year-old QB could be Plan B for Pittsburgh, that is, if their one-year-old [joined in 2025] veteran QB Aaron Rodgers plans to retire and doesn’t return.
The Steelers are predicted to sign a 37-year-old QB to replace a 42-year-old QB. Looks like 2025 draft rookie Will Howard could become a starter. Or re-signed QB Mason Rudolph could serve as a backup to Howard or Cousins.
Or Rudolph and Howard may compete for QB1 role.
Steelers projected quarterback Kirk Cousins ranks above Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa
Well, Tagovailoa is no longer an option. He left Miami with a $99M dead-money hit divided over two years and now belongs to the Falcons.
Former Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray could land with the Minnesota Vikings as a bridge starter to serve as insurance for the injury-prone J.J. McCarthy. Some reports suggest Murray could end up with Tom Brady’s part-owned Las Vegas Raiders and act as a veteran starter for 2026 NFL Draft prospect Fernando Mendoza.
Now, who remains for Pittsburgh is Kirk Cousins.
La Canfora writes that Cousins is a quick learner, stood out in the second half of the 2025 season in Atlanta [when he stepped in for injured Michael Penix Jr.] and has fully recovered from an Achilles injury that marred his time with the Falcons [he suffered from tightness of the ankle and reduced mobility as byproducts of the rehab process after Achilles surgery performed in Nov. 2023].
A proven veteran starter could pair with a 2025 sixth-round selection, Howard. Now, what remains to be seen is whether Ayahuasca retreat lover, Aaron Rodgers, plans to return or retire…
Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers for Pittsburgh
In early March, the 42-year-old QB stated that he has not set a deadline for a decision on playing for the Steelers in 2026. Heavy Sports’ Eric Anderson reports that Rodgers is treated like a retired player making a comeback. If that’s the case, then Cousins could serve as a suitable option for the Steelers.
The 37-year-old QB recorded 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in just 10 games of the 2025 season. While Rodgers recorded 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 games of the 2025 season.
This calls for a QB competition. But the preference may very well flow towards Rodgers. For one, he played last year, led them to a 10-6 record, and won the AFC North division title. For two, he is Mike McCarthy’s former pupil from the Green Bay Packers [they come from an era when the Packers won a Super Bowl XLV].
If Pittsburgh weighs in on their urge to win a Lombardi Trophy [something they have not earned since winning Super Bowl XLIII in the 2008 season] then maybe they could target a Super Bowl-rich duo like Rodgers and McCarthy. This could also become a perfect farewell for the 42-year-old. His second Super Bowl win could be as a Steeler, but with his Green Bay coach. All speculation.
What remains to be seen is whether Rodgers retires and Pittsburgh signs Cousins, or Rodgers returns and the Steelers pass on Cousins. Everything may depend on Rodgers’ decision. NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky is adamant that the Ayahuasca retreat lover will be the Steelers’ starter in 2026. Only time will tell…
