The Pittsburgh Steelers need a new quarterback, and the team could look at a surprising name.

Pittsburgh has been hoping for Aaron Rodgers to return for another season, but he’s yet to sign, and his future is up in the air. If the Steelers don’t want to wait for Rodgers, the team could look elsewhere, and NFL analyst Jacob Camenker of USA Today named the team a fit for Kirk Cousins.

“The Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about his future,” Camenker wrote. “If the 42-year-old returns for another season, Cousins wouldn’t be an option for Pittsburgh. But if Rodgers calls it quits, Mike McCarthy could consider targeting Cousins as a different veteran stopgap to steer the team.

“The Steelers were exceedingly patient with Rodgers last offseason – he didn’t officially sign until June – and may give him that grace again in 2026. With that in mind, Cousins may not be willing to wait around to see if Pittsburgh’s job opens up.”

Cousins is a free agent after the Atlanta Falcons released him from his four-year, $180 million deal. The veteran quarterback would be a solid starting option for the Steelers and could be a short-term stopgap until Pittsburgh finds its franchise quarterback.

And, Cousins wouldn’t be expensive, so it could be a smart option for Pittsburgh to bring in a veteran quarterback who can help the team win now if Rodgers doesn’t return.

Cousins threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 10 games last season.

Steelers Hopeful Rodgers Will Return

Although Pittsburgh has yet to make a move at quarterback, the team is hopeful that Rodgers will return.

Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title and a playoff berth. So, Steelers insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic expects the veteran quarterback to return.

“While general manager Omar Khan said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he doesn’t anticipate the indecision will drag out like it did last year,” DeFabo wrote. “And the prevailing sentiment from inside the organization is that the team believes an answer will come sometime this month, the Steelers ended Wednesday as one of the NFL’s few teams without a clear-cut QB1 in place or an obvious path to land one.

“That said, while the Steelers don’t have a signature on a dotted line, the moves they made suggest they’re trying to win in this 42-year-old QB’s window.”

Rodgers, however, said he would be taking his time with his decision, as he’s enjoying his offseason.

“There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me. There’s no contract offer or anything. So, there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between,” said Rodgers on The Pat McAfee Show. “I’m a free agent and, again, I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason.”

Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions last season.

Cousins Wants to Continue Playing

Cousins’ tenure in Atlanta was a mess from the start.

After signing the $180 million deal, the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, just months after signing. So, his tenure with Atlanta was filled with a quarterback battle, and after Week 18, he said he wants to continue playing.

“I’d like to keep playing, but we will see how things play out in March or even after that,” Cousins said after Atlanta’s Week 18 game. “I would love to be back here. … At this point, you just have to see where it goes.”

Cousins is a four-time Pro Bowler.