Introduction

If you’re following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback carousel, you’ve likely heard the name Kirk Cousins pop up. The “Kirk Cousins Pittsburgh Steelers trade” scenario has become a talking point this offseason — is it real, or just rumor fodder? In this article, we’ll dive into what’s actually happening with a potential trade for Cousins, why the Steelers are considering him, what the roadblocks are, and what it would mean for all parties involved.

Why the Steelers Are Considering a Trade

Quarterback uncertainty in Pittsburgh

The Steelers head into the 2025 season with an unsettled quarterback room. Known starter options are limited and aging; the franchise clearly needs either a long-term answer or a bridge veteran to steady the ship.

Cousins: an available veteran with starting experience

Kirk Cousins has long been a reliable starter in the league. Though he’s coming off a turbulent period with the Atlanta Falcons, his experience and skill set make him an attractive candidate for a team seeking stability under center. Bleacher Report+1

Steelers’ Plan B scenario

Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers has dominated its offseason plans. But reports indicate that if Rodgers doesn’t land in Pittsburgh, the Cousins trade becomes more than just speculation—it becomes a plausible fallback. The Falcoholic+2SI+2

Key Considerations in the Kirk Cousins Pittsburgh Steelers Trade

Contract & financial hurdles

• Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons in March 2024, including large guarantees. Wikipedia+2ESPN.com+2

• For the Steelers to trade for him, they’d likely need to eat a chunk of that contract, or the Falcons would have to subsidize salary. Teams interested reportedly balked at the asking cost. Reuters+1

Fit in offensive scheme & age considerations

• Cousins is pocket-based, experienced, and could fit a Steelers system that may not want a mobile QB. However, he’s 36 (as of 2025) and coming off a season where his production dipped.

• The Steelers must weigh whether they want a short-term veteran or invest in a younger starter.

Trade cost & draft capital

• Some speculative trade proposals suggest Pittsburgh would give up mid-to-late draft picks for Cousins, with the Falcons offsetting salary. Behind the Steel Curtain+1

• Given the Steelers also have needs elsewhere, the front office must decide how much capital they’re willing to allocate for this quarterback move.

Likelihood & Current Status

As of now, the “Kirk Cousins Pittsburgh Steelers trade” holds more status as rumour than completed deal:

• Multiple outlets list Cousins as a “viable” target but not a done deal. Bleacher Report+1

• Reports indicate that after the Steelers signed Rodgers (or moved closer to doing so), interest in Cousins diminished. SI

• The financial and contract obstacles remain high, meaning any trade would require creative maneuvering.

What Would Happen If It Did Occur?

Here’s a breakdown of what a trade could look like and its impact:

1. Trade terms hypothetical

   • Steelers send a mid-round pick (e.g., 4th/5th) plus salary considerations. Behind the Steel Curtain+1

   • Falcons either absorb part of Cousins’ salary or require Pittsburgh to take on guarantees.

2. Impact on Steelers’ roster

   • Cousins becomes the starting QB, giving the Steelers a veteran presence.

   • It might delay drafting a long-term QB or reduce flexibility in other roster areas.

3. Impact on Falcons’ roster

   • Falcons clear salary cap space or free up the QB room for their rookie starter (e.g., Michael Penix Jr.).

   • They lose veteran depth but gain future assets (via picks).

4. Risks and rewards

   • Reward: Steelers get a proven starter, may avoid QB jitters.

   • Risk: Cousins’ age and recent inconsistency; giving up draft capital; paying for a short-term solution.

Why It Might Not Happen

• The contract is too heavy and the Falcons value the veteran backup or trade leverage. Reuters

• Steelers might instead commit to their younger QBs or alternative veteran options.

• Rodgers’ status may reduce the urgency to act.

• Injury, age and cost factors make the move less appealing in the long run.

Conclusion

To wrap it up: The idea of a “Kirk Cousins Pittsburgh Steelers trade” is very much alive as a speculative scenario, but not imminent. The Steelers have clearly looked at Cousins as a contingency plan at quarterback, but massive financial and strategic hurdles remain. If you’re a Steelers fan or an NFL watcher, this is a story worth tracking—because should things fall just right (or wrong) for Rodgers, Cousins could suddenly go from rumor to roster.

Also Read: Caitlin Clark

If you’d like, I can pull up latest updates, trade-offer simulations, or draft implications tied to this scenario. Shall I dig into that?

FAQs

Q1: Has the trade for Kirk Cousins to the Steelers been confirmed?
No—there has been no official trade announcement. The idea remains a possibility but not a done deal. Some sources label him a “viable trade target.” Bleacher Report+1

Q2: Why are the Steelers interested in Kirk Cousins?
They face uncertainty at the quarterback position, and Cousins offers veteran experience, immediate starter ability, and a fit in their system if their top targets don’t materialize.

Q3: What is preventing the trade from happening?
The major obstacles: the hefty contract Cousins carries, guaranteed money, draft capital cost, and the Steelers’ own strategic direction.

Q4: What would Pittsburgh likely give up for Cousins?
Speculations suggest mid-round draft picks plus salary/guarantee sharing. For example: a 4th-round pick in 2027 plus cash, in one scenario. Behind the Steel Curtain

Q5: If not Cousins, what other options do the Steelers have at QB?
They are pursuing Aaron Rodgers, have in-house options, and could consider other veteran QBs or rookie solutions if a trade doesn’t happen.