Kirk Cousins wants this amid Steelers, Aaron Rodgers uncertainty

While the Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the football world are waiting to learn if Aaron Rodgers will return to serve as the club's starting quarterback for the 2026 season, some continue to speculate that fellow veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins could become a fallback option for Pittsburgh. 

During a recent chat with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, Cousins made it clear that he isn't planning on riding off into the sunset of retirement before he celebrates his 38th birthday in August. 

"Rejuvenated" Kirk Cousins looking for next NFL opportunity

"I think getting away from the Achilles tear, over two years now, I feel rejuvenated," Cousins explained, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "Getting to play last year at the end, going 4-0 down the stretch, put the wind in my sails again. I feel really good, probably the healthiest I've been in a while." 

Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October 2023, and he later lost the Atlanta Falcons' starting job to then-rookie Michael Penix Jr. in December 2024. More recently, however, Cousins seemed to have plenty left in the tank as he went 5-2 and recorded 10 touchdown passes with five interceptions over the final seven weeks of the Falcons' 2025 season. 

Numerous reports shared throughout the offseason have suggested Rodgers will rejoin the Steelers at some point before the start of their offseason workout program on April 6. Meanwhile, Cousins is allegedly in no rush to commit to any team this spring. 

Would Steelers give Kirk Cousins "another shot" to start? 

"I don't know where it'll be," Cousins added during the segment. "I don't know under what circumstances, but I like the idea of getting back next year and playing. We'll see, but I'd like to get back out there and give it another shot."

It remains unclear if Steelers general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike McCarthy would rather start Cousins over longtime backup Mason Rudolph or unproven 2025 rookie Will Howard. As much as Cousins wants it known that he's available, the Steelers seem willing to give Rodgers as much time as he wants to decide how he will spend the 2026 season.