Once again, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves facing uncertainty at quarterback this offseason, with no significant progress made in 2024 under veteran Russell Wilson. While Wilson showed promise after returning in Week 7, things took a downturn in the final stretch, and the Steelers were eliminated early from the playoffs.
With the team’s quarterback situation still up in the air, rumors have circulated that Pittsburgh may pursue a new direction in 2025. However, Wilson recently shared that he has begun contract discussions with the Steelers. “Yes, we’ve been starting to talk a little bit,” he said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “We’ve had our meetings and everything else, just getting into it. It’s an exciting time to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and I’m looking forward to what we can do.”
Though Wilson appears to be returning for now, there’s always a chance the Steelers could pivot. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay suggests that if Pittsburgh does make a change, they could be a potential landing spot for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Kay notes that teams like the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, who pick near the top of the 2025 draft, may look for a veteran starter to bridge the gap until a rookie is ready. Fringe contenders like the Steelers, who still lack stability at quarterback, could also be in the mix for Cousins.
The question is whether any teams will need to trade for Cousins or if the Falcons will simply release him. With Cousins having been benched for rookie Michael Penix last season, it’s likely the Falcons will move on from him, making a trade for the 36-year-old a tough sell especially considering the steep $180 million left on his deal.
Regardless of how Cousins becomes available, it’s hard to imagine the Steelers making a move for him, unless he can be signed as a cheap backup. Despite Wilson’s late-season struggles, Cousins’ performance was even worse, despite having a better supporting cast. The Steelers would be better off sticking with Wilson and strengthening the team around him, rather than bringing in Cousins, whose best years may already be behind him.