Analyst warns Steelers about potential Kirk Cousins plan if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign

Numerous reporters have suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers could consider trading for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins if free agent Aaron Rodgers decides he doesn't want to play for them. 

During a recent edition of his "Pushing the Pile" podcast, CBS Sports NFL analyst Mike Renner explained why he thinks the Steelers would be better off starting longtime backup Mason Rudolph over Cousins if Rodgers turns Pittsburgh down. 

"I think this would be a terrible idea to give up any sort of draft capital to pay Kirk Cousins any sort of money whatsoever at this point in time," Renner said, as shared by Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "He's 36. He'll be 37 in August. His arm was too weak for a dome."

While the Falcons are moving forward with 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot seems prepared to hold onto Cousins unless a club trades for the veteran's services and pays "a significant portion of" his salary. 

As for Renner's takes about what Cousins is and/or isn't at this stage of his career, the signal-caller was accused of being "out of gas" and of having a "dead" arm as he tossed eight interceptions and zero touchdown passes over four consecutive losses before was benched in favor of Penix in December. 

"His arm is not strong enough to play in the...it's the most demanding arm-strength division in the NFL," Renner added about the Steelers possibly pursuing a trade for Cousins. "You have four northern outdoor stadiums in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Pittsburgh. Obviously, in Pittsburgh, where it's one of, if not the, most demanding in terms of arm-strength stadium in the NFL."

NFL insiders continue to insist that Rodgers will ultimately sign with the Steelers and that players will welcome him with open arms whenever he puts pen to paper on a deal. It's also believed that the Steelers would feel "fine" about having Rudolph and not Cousins atop the depth chart in September if Rodgers were to retire.