NFL News: Kirk Cousins reportedly ready to leave Falcons and join Steelers, depending on Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers continues to delay his arrival to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A lot of water has passed under the bridge during the offseason, including the NFL Draft, but the former Super Bowl champion quarterback still hasn’t given any clarity about his future. Another name is starting to enter the picture: Kirk Cousins, who wants to leave the Atlanta Falcons.

Cousins has made it clear to the Atlanta franchise that he wants to explore other opportunities to compete for a starting role. His QB1 spot was taken by Michael Penix Jr., and for months he’s been looking to turn his career around and finish his professional journey by getting playing time with a different team.

The NFL world, however, views Rodgers’ arrival to the Steelers as an imminent move, even though no official response has been given. In the meantime, the mystery lingers and time keeps passing, fueling reports about a possible Plan B for Pittsburgh. A recent update from NFL insider Ian Rapoport sheds more light on the matter.

Do the Steelers have a Plan B amid Rodgers’ silence?

According to Rapoport, the Steelers remain interested in signing Rodgers as their top option to strengthen the quarterback position. However, if the former New York Jets star doesn’t arrive, Cousins could become the most viable alternative for the team.

Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“If Cousins leaves Atlanta, where might he go? If your good friend, Aaron Rodgers, does not go to Pittsburgh, I think that would be a possibility. But it feels to me, like the other possibilities, kind of, don’t exist,” Rapoport said on the Pat McAfee Show.

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The Steelers don’t have many options

With most teams having resolved their quarterback situations after the draft, the Steelers are placing all their hopes on landing Rodgers. However, if that long-running saga falls through, Pittsburgh could be one of the few destinations still interested in Cousins.

For now, the only quarterbacks on the Steelers’ roster are Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard, a sixth-round pick—hardly a group that matches the ambitions of a team aiming to make a deep run in the league.