Steelers now out of the running for one veteran quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, and the field of candidates is only getting narrower. The team seems to have its heart set on a veteran Aaron Rodgers, given how patiently the team is waiting for the quarterback's decision on his future. While Pittsburgh waits for Rodgers, other names have been thrown around, as well as the potential of drafting a quarterback. If the Steelers are as focused as they seem on landing a veteran, then, according to one NFL insider, they have already missed out on another potential signal-caller.

NFL insider James Palmer of Bleacher Report (h/t Penn Live) says that quarterback Kirk Cousins is no longer likely to be acquired by the Steelers. Palmer says that Cousins will seek to be traded after the 2025 NFL Draft, but that he is more likely to end up with the Steelers' AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns.

"The Steelers called and kicked the tires early, but my understanding is that Arthur Smith, being the former head coach in Atlanta, still knows plenty of people in that building and kind of got the word on where things are with Kirk in terms of his play and where he’s at in terms of his play as a quarterback," said Palmer. "The Steelers, obviously, have fallen off."

If the Steelers were interested in Cousins, they likely would have shown more interest in him — and shown it sooner. In Pittsburgh, Cousins is seemingly an afterthought to Rodgers.

Ever since a torn Achilles in 2023, Cousins has been declining in value. While the Atlanta Falcons were willing to give Cousins another chance, it didn't last long. Last season, Cousins threw 18 touchdowns and racked up the most interceptions in the league at 16, tied only with Baker Mayfield. Although the Steelers' quarterback situation is dire, that may not be enough for Pittsburgh to make a play for Cousins.