Kirk Cousins: The Veteran QB Who Makes Sense for Pittsburgh
The Steelers offered quarterback Aaron Rodgers a one-year contract during the first week of free agency this year. While the exact price wasn’t revealed, the contract is estimated to be approximately $30 million. Even though the draft is over, Rodgers still hasn’t given the Steelers his decision. Fans and analysts are speculating as to whether the 41-year-old quarterback will play this season or decide to retire. With no end to the Aaron Rodgers saga in sight, it’s time for the Steelers to get serious about signing another veteran quarterback. Kirk Cousins, 36, is a great candidate for the Steelers’ starting quarterback. Cousins is six feet three and weighs 205 pounds.
Cousins played collegiate football for the Michigan State Spartans. He led the Big Ten Conference in pass attempts, passing yards, and pass completions in 2011. He was named second-team All-Big Ten that year. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins, who have since changed their name to the Washington Commanders, in round four of the 2012 NFL Draft. Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. In Week 15 of the 2022 season, Cousins led the Vikings to overcome a 33-point deficit to defeat the Indianapolis Colts with a score of 39-36 in overtime. This marked the largest comeback in the history of the NFL. Cousins had eight game-winning drives in the 2022 season. He’s tied with Matthew Stafford for the most game-winning drives in a single season in NFL history.
Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. He set a franchise record in Week five of the 2024 NFL season when he threw for 509 yards and four touchdowns. Cousins led the Falcons to a 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime. He has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week seven times—Week 15, 2022; Week 17, 2020; Week 12, 2020; Week 3, 2017; Week 11, 2016; Week 10, 2015; Week 7, 2015. He was also named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month in October 2019, November 2016, and December 2015. Cousins was selected for the NFL Pro Bowl four times, three of which he played in. He has played in 150 regular-season games throughout his career, including being a starter for 145 games.
Cousins received the prestigious Bart Starr Award in 2023. The award is given to a player who exemplifies outstanding character, integrity, and leadership both on and off the field. Cousins threw for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns in the 2024 regular season. Throughout his career, he has amassed a total of 42,979 yards and 288 touchdowns. Cousins has a career passer rating of 97.4. Cousins is currently a backup quarterback for the Falcons, and he would welcome the opportunity to be a starter again. FS1 sports analyst Emmanuel Acho, who previously played in the NFL, believes that Cousins can get the Steelers to the playoffs this season.
