Steelers Face Quarterback Uncertainty After Cousins Signs With Raiders

With Aaron Rodgers' future still unclear, Pittsburgh's options at QB are dwindling.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:24pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are still unsure of their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season after Kirk Cousins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. The Steelers were hoping to potentially pivot to Cousins if Aaron Rodgers decided to retire or join the Denver Broncos, but that option is now off the table. Without Rodgers, the Steelers' QB1 choices are limited to backups Will Howard and Mason Rudolph or a veteran free agent signing, leaving the team in a difficult position.

Why it matters

The Steelers' quarterback situation is crucial for their success next season. With the aging Rodgers' future uncertain, the team needs a reliable starter to lead their offense. Losing out on Cousins as a potential fallback option puts more pressure on the Steelers to retain Rodgers or find another high-caliber QB to compete in the AFC North.

The details

Kirk Cousins has signed a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he will serve as a veteran mentor to the team's presumed first overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. The Steelers were never the frontrunners to land Cousins, but they may have turned to him if negotiations with Rodgers fell through. Now, Pittsburgh's options are limited to either convincing Rodgers to return, or settling for backups Will Howard and Mason Rudolph or a free agent signing.

  • On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Kirk Cousins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran NFL quarterback who has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year deal to mentor their presumed first overall draft pick.

Aaron Rodgers

The aging but still highly productive quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose future with the team remains uncertain.

Will Howard

A backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who could be in line to start if Rodgers does not return.

Mason Rudolph

Another backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is also an option to start if Rodgers leaves the team.

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What’s next

The Steelers will now have to wait and see if Aaron Rodgers decides to return to the team or retire. If Rodgers leaves, the team will have to decide between backup options Will Howard and Mason Rudolph or look to sign a veteran free agent quarterback.

The takeaway

The Steelers' quarterback situation is in flux after losing out on the opportunity to potentially sign Kirk Cousins. Their best path forward is convincing the aging but still productive Aaron Rodgers to return, as the team's other options at the position are less than ideal. Pittsburgh has backed itself into a corner and needs Rodgers to stay if it wants to remain competitive in the AFC North.