Does Kirk Cousins make sense for the Steelers?

Kirk Cousins could be the hottest name in NFL free agency. And, who knows, the Vikings quarterback might end up with the Steelers.

Yes, he’ll be 36 when the season starts. And he is coming off surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles. But maybe the deal isn’t right, he leaves the land of Skol Vikings and ends up in Pittsburgh in a kind of plug-and-play situation. We’re at the start of speculative season, which will only grow more frenetic once the actual free agent period starts March 13. That’s the day all contracts set to expire in 2023 actually expire.

Cousins has said he wants to remain in Minnesota. There was some buzz that if the Vikings didn’t work out, then perhaps Cousins would sign with the Falcons. The quarterback’s wife has family near the Atlanta area.

Now, there’s more talk that suggests Cousins won’t be in Minnesota much longer. Earlier this week, Sports Illustrated reported that the Vikings don’t want to fully guarantee Cousins’ contract, which is said to be a deal breaker.

Enter the Steelers, who may or may not be in the market for a quarterback. Another SI story, published Thursday, ranks the Steelers as the most comfortable landing spot for Cousins.

Here are the reasons, as pointed out by SI:

“The Steelers need a proven quarterback, and they have plenty to offer Cousins with a talented group of skill players and a coach in Mike Tomlin, who has had a winning season for 17 consecutive years. Outside of the 49ers, the Steelers make the most sense roster wise, and they could make a serious financial offer. Pittsburgh’s cap space issues aren’t as dire as San Francisco’s, since the Steelers can cut a handful of veteran players who aren’t in their long-term plans. For example, the Steelers can cut wide receiver Allen Robinson to easily create $10 million in cap space. They’re currently $13.8 million over the salary cap.

“Also, Cousins wouldn’t have to do the heavy lifting in Pittsburgh, which tends to have dominant defenses thanks to edge rusher T.J. Watt leading the charge. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cousins light up the scoreboard with a group that includes tight end Pat Freiermuth, wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, and running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The Steelers’ offense has been stagnant with quarterback Kenny Pickett the past two seasons. If Cousins decides to leave Minnesota, he has many good reasons for joining Pittsburgh.”

Earlier this month, the Steelers hired Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. Smith has no allegiance to any quarterback on the roster. The goal is to revive the offense, thus the reasons for the speculation. Maybe a short-term contract with Cousins enables the Steelers some far-reaching results.