"Shannon Sharpe deems $37.5m Steelers backup strategy inadequate, with Rodgers' upcoming decision hanging in the balance"
The ongoing saga surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future contract negotiations with the Green Bay Packers shows no signs of abating, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly started to formulate a contingency plan.
At 41 years old, Rodgers is learning the harsh reality of the NFL - time waits for no one. If Rodgers fails to sign with the Steelers, they are said to have Kirk Cousins in mind as a possible replacement, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
During Monday's SportsCenter, Fowler stated that Cousins has been on the Steelers' radar and could potentially step in if a deal with Rodgers falls through. He clarified, however, that for now, Rodgers remains their first choice.
Public opinion on a potential Cousins move to Pittsburgh has been mixed. NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has openly criticized the idea, citing Cousins' performance and contract concerns. In an interview with Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson on their Nightcap podcast, Sharpe expressed reservations about Cousins' $100 million contract over the next three years and his league-leading 16 interceptions in Atlanta last season.
One of the major stumbling blocks in the potential acquisition of Cousins is his contract. Despite having $37.5 million guaranteed remaining over the next two seasons, recent reports suggest that the Atlanta Falcons might be willing to lower their asking price, which would make Cousins a more viable candidate for Pittsburgh.
It seems a cheaper Cousins would appeal to the Steelers, should Rodgers choose not to sign. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback with 163 starts, had a promising season in 2023 before an injury cut it short. In his first season with the Falcons, Cousins had a mixed season, leading the league in interceptions, a factor he attributed to playing through injuries.
Given the uncertainty regarding Rodgers' future, a Cousins-Steelers union could still be possible. Although Rodgers has been cagey in media interviews, he did recently answer a question about joining the Steelers, although his response was vague. It is important to note that the Steelers had built their draft strategy around the possibility of Rodgers joining their roster this year, and his potential arrival would provide a significant boost to their quarterback lineup.
If the Steelers fail to sign Rodgers, the consequences would be severe, as they currently have only three quarterbacks on their roster - Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
If Aaron Rodgers' contract negotiations with the Green Bay Packers continue to stagnate, the Pittsburgh Steelers might opt for a replacement, with Kirk Cousins reportedly on their radar due to his mixed performance and expensive contract. The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers' future has sparked discussions about a potential Cousins-Steelers union, especially considering the team's current quarterback predicament, as they only have three quarterbacks on their roster.
American football's drama unfolds as the NFL world waits to see if Rodgers will sign with the Steelers or not, while Cousins, a seasoned quarterback with a history of interceptions, presents a cheaper alternative if the Packers deal falls through. Meanwhile, the ongoing debate about Cousins joining the Steelers centers around his contract concerns and past performance.
