Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP, is still a target for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, according to Nick Wright of FOX Sports, the Steelers would not have any involvement in Rodgers and would instead pursue Kirk Cousins, another veteran.
Wright explained why the Steelers should prefer Cousins instead of Rodgers on the March 21 episode of “First Things First.”
Through Jeremy Pike of Steelers Depot, Wright contended, “I don’t think he is, 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers is a needle mover at this point in his career.” He isn’t worth the time and effort, in my opinion.
“I would prefer to call up Atlanta and offer them a sixth-round pick for Kirk Cousins if I were the Pittsburgh Steelers and didn’t want to draft a quarterback instead of going the veteran way.
“I just think Kirk Cousins is much younger and doesn’t give you any drama.”
Wright went on to say that during the last three years, Rodgers has had “worse numbers” than Cousins.
Rodgers has averaged 6.7 yards per pass and a 63.7% completion rate since the 2022 season began. Over the same time period, Cousins has recorded 7.4 yards per pass and a 67% completion percentage.
In his last 35 games, Rodgers has also recorded 23 interceptions and 54 touchdowns. Over the last three seasons, Cousins has recorded 35 interceptions and 65 touchdowns in 39 games.
Last offseason, Cousins agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal.
Why Kirk Cousins Could Make Sense for the Steelers
Wright is hardly the first commentator to associate Cousins with the Steelers. Several times this offseason, Bleacher Report columnists have suggested Pittsburgh as a possible destination for the seasoned quarterback.
However, there is no hard evidence that the Steelers are considering Cousins as a backup option for Rodgers.
On March 21, Rodgers was invited to see the Steelers’ team facilities. However, the organization is still awaiting word on whether the 41-year-old is interested in signing a deal to visit Pittsburgh.
On paper, Cousins makes sense as a logical next potential target for the Steelers if Rodgers doesn’t sign in Pittsburgh.
During the previous season, Cousins led the NFL in interceptions (16), including nine in his final five games before being benched. But the veteran said he had a right elbow and shoulder injury when he played those games. That would explain why he went from playing relatively well in October to a level less than serviceable a month later.
Cousins’ initial return from a damaged Achilles tendon occurred last season. Because he had his injury earlier in the 2023 season, Rodgers had more time to heal before Week 1, 2024, even though he returned from the same ailment previous year.
Cousins will turn 37 in August, which makes him almost five years younger than Rodgers as well.
