Steelers quarterback dilemma deepens as ESPN panel splits over Kirk Cousins vs. Aaron Rodgers

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to face uncertainty under center, a new twist in the quarterback carousel has analysts and fans buzzing. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields no longer seen as long-term options, attention is now zeroing in on two aging but high-profile quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers.On ESPN’s Get Up, analysts Bart Scott, Mike Tannenbaum, and Peter Schrager debated who would be the better fit for the Steelers—and their perspectives couldn’t be more divided.Cousins, who inked a massive $180 million deal with the Falcons last offseason, has become a financial headache for Atlanta after being benched midseason. He’s missed OTAs, and his hefty contract may be too much for the Falcons to carry.Bart Scott believes Cousins may provide stability, saying, “Kirk Cousins offers you multiple years of a solution, but with his injury history and also his salary demands, what kind of deal does that mean going forward?” Scott also pointed to Pittsburgh’s lingering QB void after Kenny Pickett didn’t pan out: “The reason why there’s an opening there is Kenny Pickett was a bust… I believe so.”Mike Tannenbaum, former Jets GM, agreed—especially if Pittsburgh can negotiate down Cousins’ salary: “I’d much rather have Kirk Cousins than Aaron Rodgers.”Rodgers, meanwhile, is still undecided about playing in 2025 after missing most of last season with an Achilles injury. Scott acknowledged Rodgers’ potential value, saying, “I don’t think he’s a better play. I think Aaron Rodgers had a sneaky solid season coming back from the Achilles.” But he argued that Cousins offers more continuity for the team.Peter Schrager pushed back, calling a Cousins trade a “panic move”: “They could have traded for Kirk Cousins in March… To me, this seems like a desperate move.”Scott flipped the desperation narrative, saying it’s Atlanta that needs to act: “Desperate for who? Because last I checked the Atlanta Falcons were $13 million over the salary cap.”Also Read: Aaron Rodgers leaves Steelers hanging as potential signing remains shrouded in silence and speculationIn the end, Pittsburgh's quarterback drama remains unresolved as the franchise waits for Rodgers to decide—and possibly eyes Cousins as a strategic backup plan. Either way, it’s clear the Steelers’ 2025 season hinges on solving this puzzle.