Pittsburgh, PA – March 21, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons have reportedly pulled off a blockbuster trade that could reshape their futures, with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins heading to the Steel City in a deal that benefits both sides. According to sources from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Steelers Depot, the Steelers have acquired Cousins in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (No. 85 overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick, with the Falcons agreeing to retain $20 million of Cousins’ 2025 salary.
The trade brings the 36-year-old signal-caller to Pittsburgh, where he’s expected to step in as the Steelers’ QB1 after a tumultuous offseason that saw them pivot from options like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. For Atlanta, the move clears the way for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to take the reins while recouping draft capital and shedding a hefty financial burden.
Trade Details
Under the terms of the agreement, the Steelers send their 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Falcons. In a critical twist, Atlanta will retain $20 million of Cousins’ $40 million cap hit for 2025, leaving Pittsburgh responsible for just $20 million—a manageable figure given their current cap space of approximately $10-15 million (post-signings like Mike Hilton and Juan Thornhill). Cousins’ original four-year, $180 million deal, signed in March 2024, had become a liability for the Falcons after they benched him for Penix late in 2024, making this trade a strategic exit. The no-trade clause in Cousins’ contract required his approval, and sources indicate he greenlit the move, eager to start for a contender like Pittsburgh.
Cousins’ Fit in Pittsburgh
Cousins brings a wealth of experience to the Steelers, with 47,391 career passing yards, 324 touchdowns, and 141 interceptions across 13 seasons with Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta. His 2024 campaign with the Falcons—3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions through 14 starts—showed he’s still a reliable pocket passer, even if not at his pre-injury peak (Achilles tear, 2023). In Pittsburgh, he’ll command an offense featuring George Pickens and D.K. Metcalf, a dynamic wide receiver duo that could elevate his game, alongside a stout defense led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. After years of quarterback uncertainty, Cousins offers the Steelers a seasoned leader to chase their first playoff win since 2016.
A Win-Win for Both Teams
For the Steelers, landing Cousins for a modest price—two mid-to-late-round picks—preserves their high-value draft capital while addressing their most pressing need. The $20 million cap hit fits within their budget, especially with a potential restructure of Pat Freiermuth’s deal to free up additional space. Meanwhile, the Falcons offload $20 million in salary, avoiding a $40 million dead-money hit they’d face by cutting Cousins outright. The third- and sixth-round picks provide Atlanta with ammo to bolster their roster around Penix, perhaps targeting a running back or cornerback in the 2025 draft. It’s a clean break from a costly experiment, aligning with their youth movement under GM Terry Fontenot.
