Pittsburgh Steelers in transfer stress: Is Cousins ​​coming as Rodgers Plan B?

Pittsburgh Steelers in transfer stress: Is Cousins ​​coming as Rodgers Plan B?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for possible alternatives to quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Although the player has not signed a contract with the Steelers until the end of May 2025, those responsible for the Steelers firmly expect Rodgers to be signed. Nevertheless, the franchise remains vigilant and is exploring various options. One of the most frequently mentioned alternatives is Kirk Cousins ​​of the Atlanta Falcons, as reported by ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler.

Cousins ​​fell behind first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. in the Falcons' hierarchy last season. He could only play the backup role next season, which could increase the possibilities for a trade. However, his situation is complicated by a four-year contract worth $180 million, of which $100 million is guaranteed. This large contract could make a move difficult, as the Falcons would have to take on a large portion of the salary in a trade.

Kirk Cousins' contract and the Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons would only be willing to agree to a trade if the receiving team took on a significant portion of Cousins' salary. $37.5 million is already guaranteed for the next two years. The Falcons are believed to have a salary expectation of around $20 million. Cousins ​​was absent from Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which are not mandatory, as were other teammates, including Kyle Pitts and Ray-Ray McCloud III.

Salary structures in the NFL

The NFL inspires millions of people worldwide, including in Europe. The teams are subject to a salary cap that is $255.4 million for the 2024 season. What is particularly striking is that quarterbacks are usually the highest paid players. In comparison, long snappers, punters and kickers earn significantly less.

One of the top earners in the 2024 season is Dak Prescott from the Dallas Cowboys, whose high salary is due, among other things, to a signing bonus. NFL salaries include bonuses in addition to annual salary, and players can fluctuate in their salary hierarchy from year to year.

For the playoff rounds, players receive their salaries directly from the NFL and not from their franchises. Here is an overview of the playoff salaries:

• Wild-Card-Round: 33.000 US-Dollar für Divisionssieger, 30.000 US-Dollar für Teams ohne Divisionssieg
• Divisional Round: 33.000 US-Dollar
• Conference Championship: 59.000 US-Dollar

For the 2024 Super Bowl (LIX), players on the winning team will receive $178,000 per player, while the losing team will receive a consolation prize of $96,000 per player.