Anticipation Builds Around Quarterback Decisions

As winter fades into spring, the NFL Draft draws near, and fans find themselves in a familiar position. They’re waiting for Aaron Rodgers to announce his future. With the 2026 NFL Draft just weeks away, the Pittsburgh Steelers are eager to learn whether their veteran quarterback will return to the field, potentially reuniting with former head coach Mike McCarthy, now at the helm of the Steelers.

But it’s not just fans who are in suspense.

Kirk Cousins is also waiting. Recently released by the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins finds himself contemplating what’s next. For a player like him, the Steelers could be his best shot at being a starting quarterback, perhaps acting as a bridge to the team’s next franchise player.

And this begs the question—what if Pittsburgh isn’t in the picture?

Let’s dive into a few potential alternatives for Cousins, ranked by likelihood.

Consider a Return to the NFC North?

With Malik Willis moving on to Miami, the Packers are in the market for a backup to Jordan Love. Behind Love stand Kyle McCord and Desmond Ridder, so it’s clear that they could really use a reliable option at that position.

After a brief tenure filling in for an injured Love, Willis secured a solid contract with the Dolphins, leaving the Packers with a gap they need to fill.

There’s some history here, too. When Cousins played for Washington, head coach Matt LaFleur was the quarterbacks coach, part of a well-regarded offensive staff that included the likes of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. This familiarity could make Cousins an appealing candidate for a backup role in Green Bay.

Las Vegas—A Viable Option?

Meanwhile, the starting job in Las Vegas seems likely to go to Fernando Mendoza soon. The standout season he had with the Indiana Hoosiers, which ended with a national title and a Heisman Trophy, makes him a strong favorite for the Raiders’ top pick later this month. Still, adding a seasoned quarterback could offer Mendoza a smoother transition into the starting role.

Currently, Aidan O’Connell is the only quarterback left on the Raiders’ roster following a trade involving Geno Smith. It’s uncertain whether Cousins sees value in occupying the position for Mendoza, but if the Steelers are out of the running, Las Vegas might be the last genuine opportunity for Cousins to start in Week 1—though one has to wonder if he’s open to a rebuilding phase at this point in his career.

Could the Rams Make a Move?

The Rams have also been turning heads with discussions surrounding a successor for Matthew Stafford. They had previously eyed adding top talent in the first round, but after trading their second first-round pick, they might now need to wait a bit longer for a replacement while ensuring they have a solid backup in case Stafford gets injured.

This topic came up during recent league meetings, with McVay mentioning Cousins as a possible option. He remarked, “Kirk and I have experienced a lot of firsts together,” expressing gratitude for their past collaboration in Washington.

He further emphasized the need to enhance their quarterback room, hinting at potential interest in Cousins alongside other options like Jimmy Garoppolo, should things not pan out there.

If Rodgers does decide to reunite with McCarthy in Pittsburgh, another reunion—this time between a quarterback and coach—could unfold in Los Angeles as well.