During an appearance on Thursday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Peter Schrager reported that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is a "viable" trade target for the Steelers if their pursuit of Rodgers comes up short.

Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley questions if Aaron Rodgers wants to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they traded George Pickens away. Whaley, in fact, says the four-time MVP should avoid the Steelers entirely. He says what the Steelers have built now does not suit a 41-year-old quarterback that wants to win now.

Pittsburgh dealt George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday in exchange for a third-round pick in 2026 and a fifth-rounder in 2027. Moving Pickens was a big blow to their wide receiver room, but the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 's Gerry Dulac doesn't think the trade will impact the team's pursuit of Aaron Rodgers.