"Pittsburgh And Arizona": Steelers Could End Up In Fight With Cardinals For Offensive Starter

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in the Steel City with the Pittsburgh Steelers holding onto a dozen of projected picks. This will allow the front office to get both creative and aggressive if necessary. The roster still has certain areas that need to be figured out, with gaps at the quarterback, left guard, and wide receiver positions. General Manager Omar Khan will continue to do whatever it takes so that the unit has a chance at competing in the playoffs moving forward. There is likely a very clear plan behind the scenes that the decision-makers will be ready to execute.

After an up-and-down 10-7 campaign in 2025 that saw the Steelers win the AFC North, there is reason to believe that the collective can have another solid season in 2026, even if Mike Tomlin is no longer roaming the sidelines for the franchise. The beginning of the new league year was kind to the organization, specifically because of strong additions made at wide receiver and in the defensive backfield.

Now, the questions remain about the quarterback position. Aaron Rodgers is once again taking his time in making a decision — at least, that is what the public has been led on to believe. The Steelers have no true reason to rush him because there are not many other options out there for the front office to pursue. However, the lack of a confirmed destination for another veteran is beginning to stir speculation.

As Pittsburgh patiently awaits the four-time MVP to make a commitment for another year, Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer believes a different plan will be on the horizon if the future Hall of Famer actually pivots and hangs up his cleats. It would't be a flashy signing; however, the Steelers and Arizona Cardinals could have a little bit of a battle on their hands.

"There's a pretty good option out there if it's not Rodgers, and that's Kirk Cousins" Breer stated. "Kirk Cousins still hasn't signed anywhere, yet. I think Kirk Cousins can take one of three roads here. He could either take one of the available starting quarterbacks jobs, right, which I'd say at this point there are two, Pittsburgh and Arizona; and that's Pittsburgh if Rodgers doesn't come back."

The better destination for a veteran like Kirk Cousins would certainly be with the Steelers because of the ability to win, but there are more factors that play into it. He is not guaranteed a massive amount of money by the Atlanta Falcons, so whichever team signs him to be a starter might have to pay a legitimate sum of cash for just one year. The Cardinals may be much more willing to do that in this scenario.

Cousins hypothetically coming to the Steel City would more than likely end in Will Howard replacing him at some point, but it's not impossible for the long-time competitor to perform at a relatively high level, especially with the offensive weapons that are present in Pittsburgh. Rodgers is preferred, and fans probably wouldn't want Cousins to be signed, but it's the current reality that the Steelers have put themselves in.

If Rodgers does retire or simply not sign with Pittsburgh, it would be reasonable to bring Cousins in; however, he may truly be anticipating a starting job. It doesn't make much sense as to why he hasn't signed elsewhere yet unless that is the case. Several organizations would be happy to bring the veteran in as a backup, but he appears to be chasing something else, and only two franchises can currently provide that for him.

Steelers Will Hopefully Be Out Of Odd Quarterback Cycle Soon

Pittsburgh has to move forward with a young signal-caller sooner rather than later. That could unexpectedly happen with Howard in 2026, or with a rookie in 2027. Regardless, in the modern NFL, teams can't consistently win in the playoffs without continuity at the position. Whether it's Rodgers or Cousins, the upcoming campaign should be the last one with the Steelers starting an aging veteran.

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