Cousins Signs with Raiders, Steelers Await Rodgers' Decision

Kirk Cousins' free agency move leaves Aaron Rodgers as the top veteran QB option for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Steelers' quarterback future hangs in the balance as they await Aaron Rodgers' decision, with Kirk Cousins now off the market.Today in Pittsburgh

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, taking him off the market as a potential option for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This development leaves four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers as the Steelers' primary target as they look to solidify their quarterback position for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Steelers have been heavily linked to Rodgers, who is expected to either re-sign with the team or retire. With Cousins now off the board, the Steelers' options are narrowed, putting increased pressure on them to secure Rodgers' services for 2026 or turn to less experienced options like Will Howard or Mason Rudolph.

The details

Cousins, 37, signed a technically five-year, $172 million contract with the Raiders, but it is structured as a one-year, fully-guaranteed $20 million deal. This move takes Cousins out of the running for the Steelers, who were reportedly considering him as a fallback option if Rodgers declined to return. Now, the Steelers' focus shifts entirely to re-signing Rodgers, who has been in regular communication with new head coach Mike McCarthy and the organization.

  • On Thursday, April 3, 2026, Kirk Cousins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • In February 2026, NBC Sports' Matthew Berry reported that Rodgers was 'leaning towards' playing his 22nd NFL season, with the expectation that he would only return to play for the Steelers.
  • Earlier this week, ESPN's Adam Schefter said that Rodgers and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy are 'talking on a regular basis', suggesting Rodgers is 'strongly entertaining the idea' of playing for the Steelers again.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who has signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, taking him off the market as a potential option for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old four-time NFL MVP who is expected to either re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers or retire, as he is the top veteran quarterback option remaining for the team.

Will Howard

A quarterback drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round last year, who could be relied upon if the team is unable to re-sign Aaron Rodgers.

Mason Rudolph

A veteran backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who could be an option if the team is unable to re-sign Aaron Rodgers.

Cameron Heyward

A Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle who believes Rodgers 'still loves ball' and will play in 2026, and that Rodgers 'only wants to play for the Steelers.'

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What they’re saying

“I think it's one team: the Steelers. I don't think he wants to play for anybody else.”

— Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Defensive Tackle

“Rodgers and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy are 'talking on a regular basis', which suggests that Rodgers is 'strongly entertaining the idea' of playing again for the Steelers.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Steelers remain 'cautiously optimistic' that Rodgers will re-sign with the team, but they will have to wait until June, when Rodgers typically signs his contracts, to see if he will return for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With Kirk Cousins off the market, the Steelers' options at quarterback are narrowed, putting increased pressure on them to secure the services of Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to either re-sign with the team or retire. The Steelers' future at the position hinges on Rodgers' decision, which will have significant implications for the team's outlook in 2026.