All the Hurdles Steelers would have to clear in order to sign QB Kirk Cousins this Off-season
Last week, reports surfaced suggesting that impending free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins might have an interest in joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. Allegedly, Cousins is monitoring the Steelers’ quarterback situation this offseason. However, the likelihood of this potential pairing remains uncertain. Undoubtedly, the Steelers have a pressing need at quarterback currently. Nonetheless, several significant obstacles must be addressed to facilitate such a move. Let’s delve into these challenges before assessing the feasibility of this addition.
Obstacles to Acquiring Kirk Cousins:
1. Financial Constraints: Reports indicate that Cousins could be seeking a two-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $90 million in free agency. Given the Steelers’ current financial situation, projected to be approximately $6 million over the cap for the 2024 NFL season, accommodating such a contract would necessitate substantial restructuring of existing contracts. This would result in significant short-term financial commitments, effectively making the 2024 season a high-stakes endeavor for the Steelers.
2. Competition in Free Agency: The Steelers would not be the sole contenders for Cousins’ services. They could potentially engage in a bidding war with teams such as the Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots, all of whom possess considerably more cap space than the Steelers. Competing against teams with significantly greater financial flexibility would pose a formidable challenge for the Steelers.
3. Cousins’ Injury Recovery: Cousins sustained an Achilles tear on October 30, 2023, and his return timeline may extend until around week eight or nine of the 2024 season. Consequently, the Steelers would need to secure a capable backup quarterback to navigate the early part of the season. Moreover, the installation of a new offensive scheme under OC Arthur Smith adds another layer of complexity to Cousins’ integration into the team.
4. Age and Chemistry: At 35 years old, Cousins’ age raises questions about his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback. Additionally, his arrival would necessitate a rapid development of chemistry with his new teammates, particularly the receiving corps, which may prove challenging given the limited time for acclimatization.
5. Readiness to Contend: The Steelers must assess their readiness to make an all-in bet on Cousins. While striving for improvement is essential, they must also consider the potential risks associated with such a significant investment, particularly in light of Cousins’ injury history and the team’s current aspirations.
Ultimately, while exploring the possibility of acquiring Cousins may be prudent, the Steelers must carefully evaluate the aforementioned challenges before committing to such a move, mindful of the lessons learned from recent high-stakes quarterback pursuits in the league.
