Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Steelers’ 2025 QB Strategy- Rodgers as Plan A, Cousins as Plan B

Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers has been exploring options for a new team after his tenure with the New York Jets ended, with retirement also a possibility if things don’t go according to his way. Earlier this year, Rodgers visited the Pittsburgh Steelers, which sparked speculation about a potential fit with the team. The Steelers, led by Art Rooney II, general manager Omar Khan, and head coach Mike Tomlin, sees Rodgers as their top target to fill out the QB1 position for the 2025 season. While he is on the latter stages of his career, his experience and skill obviously makes him a good target, but his indecision about playing or retiring has the Steelers preparing for other possibilities, or might we call it a Plan B.

The Steeler’s interest in Rodgers comes from their need of a proven quarterback to elevate their roster. With their current options limited to Mason Rudolph, rookie Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson, Rodgers would be a significant upgrade. However, if Rodgers retires or continues to delay his decision, the Steelers may pivot to other candidates. Their urgency to secure a quality quarterback stems from how tough the NFL season is, as failing to add a QB1 type player will lead to another season of losing, which the franchise is not used to.

Will Aaron Rodgers ever play for the Bears?

Rodgers: “No. But I believe there is a team that might play in Chicago this year”

Cough cough, Pittsburgh Steelers vs Chicago Bears Week 12

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— Hogg (@HoggNFL) May 23, 2025

Also Read: Aaron Rodgers Just Dropped a Hint on Where He Might Play Next!

Kirk Cousins a Viable Option If the Rodgers Plan Falls Through

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Kirk Cousins is “at the very least,” on the Steelers’ radar as a backup option if Rodgers doesn’t join the team. Cousins, currently the NFL’s most expensive backup with the Atlanta Falcons, was benched after 14 games last season and rookie Michael Penix Jr. took over for the team. Penix Jr. was confirmed as the Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 season’s starter.

Acquiring Cousins would require a trade with the Falcons and they previously asked teams to cover at least $20 million of his $37.5 million guaranteed salary for 2025. His contract has an out after this year, as the final two years of his four-year $180 million is not guaranteed.

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The Steelers may face challenges fitting Cousins under their salary cap, and the Falcons haven’t exactly been willing to let him walk that easily. As we saw them retain him in key deadlines. However, according to reports, a June 1 trade would ease up the negotiations as a trade would alter salary-cap penalties. Ultimately, if Rodgers continues to delay, the Steelers could sign Cousins to avoid depending on backups and rookie quarterbacks to produce for the team next season.

Also Read: When Does NFL Training Camp Start? NFL Training Camp 2025 Start Date, Locations and More

Aaron Rodgers

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.