Many Pittsburgh Steelers fans are convinced that the team’s next starting quarterback will be one of two familiar names: Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Both are considered safe bets, and the fanbase remains deeply divided over which of these pending free agents is better suited to lead the team. Regardless of who gets the nod, the Steelers will need to secure a contract extension to retain either player as their starting option next season. However, uncertainty continues to swirl around the organization, which has now endured eight seasons of playoff disappointments. With limited viable options available in free agency or the draft, the Steelers may find themselves in a challenging position unless a high-quality quarterback becomes available via trade.
Recent speculation has only fueled debates among fans, particularly following a mock trade article published by Bleacher Report. The article proposed various destinations and deals for Kirk Cousins, a quarterback who recently signed a lucrative contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, only to be benched 15 weeks into his tenure. Cousins, now 37 years old, would bring significant baggage to any team willing to take a chance on him. For Steelers fans, the mere suggestion of acquiring Cousins feels like déjà vu—a reminder of past failed experiments—and has sparked widespread dissatisfaction. Many view such a move as a potential disaster, both on and off the field.
To visualize the backlash, imagine the news of Cousins’ acquisition breaking during the offseason. The fanbase, already frustrated by the team’s playoff struggles, would likely see this as yet another misstep by the organization. Adding Cousins might not only fail to address the Steelers’ quarterback conundrum but could even be seen as a downgrade. A closer comparison of statistics underscores this concern. In the previous season, Wilson threw for over 2,400 yards in just 11 starts, boasting an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 16-5. Meanwhile, Cousins, in 14 games, totaled 3,508 yards but struggled with a mediocre 18-16 touchdown-interception ratio. While Cousins may have the edge in passing yards, Wilson’s efficiency and ball security are far superior, making him the better option.
The proposed trade outlined by Bleacher Report would see the Steelers acquire Cousins while offloading linebacker Preston Smith to mitigate some cap space. On paper, the deal doesn’t appear catastrophic. Cousins is a proven veteran with playoff experience, albeit limited success, and could theoretically help Pittsburgh achieve the postseason victories it has been craving. However, the financial implications and long-term outlook paint a much bleaker picture. By trading for Cousins, the Steelers would be inheriting an even more dramatic cap burden. While Preston Smith’s departure would alleviate some financial strain, it’s hard to justify swapping one problematic contract for another, especially for a quarterback with a playoff record of just 1-4.
Ultimately, adding Cousins would do little to solve the Steelers’ quarterback dilemma. It would likely create further financial complications without delivering meaningful improvement in postseason performance. Fans, already exasperated by years of mediocrity, would see such a move as a missed opportunity to address the team’s most pressing needs effectively. The Steelers must tread carefully this offseason. A misstep in their quarterback decision could deepen the divide within the fanbase and extend their playoff woes for yet another year.
In short, the organization must prioritize stability and long-term vision, whether that involves committing to Wilson, Fields, or seeking a different solution entirely. Trading for Kirk Cousins, with all the baggage and risks it entails, is a gamble the Steelers simply cannot afford to take.
BREAKING: Mind-boggling mock trade has Steelers adding another washed-up quarterback.
