Steelers Pressed to Sign $231 Million QB to ‘Absolutely’ Become Title Contenders

The Pittsburgh Steelers earned another playoff berth under head coach Mike Tomlin this season. But the team also made another first-round exit in large part because Pittsburgh’s quarterback play is not up to par with the AFC elite.

ESPN’s Marcus Spears argued on January 17 that the Steelers could change that and instantly become Super Bowl contenders with one major move this offseason — sign quarterback Kirk Cousins.

“You damn right they are. You are absolutely right, they are [a Super Bowl contender with Cousins],” Spears said on ESPN’s Get Up. “An explosive offense with Mike Tomlin is a Super Bowl contender. I guarantee it.”

When Cousins first suffered a right torn Achilles tendon on October 29, there was no guarantee that he would ever play again. He finished the season on injured reserve.

But his recovery is trending in the right direction, and Cousins is set to become a free agent in March.

Cousins signed a 1-year, $35 million extension for the 2023 season during the summer of 2022. Over his 12-year NFL career, he has earned about $231.7 million, according to Spotrac.In eight starts this past season, Cousins completed 69.5% of his passes for 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns with 5 interceptions.