Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to qualify for the playoffs once more this season. However, the squad also lost in the first round, largely due to Pittsburgh’s quarterback play falling short of that of the AFC elite.
On January 17, ESPN’s Marcus Spears made the case that the Steelers could sign quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason and quickly change that, making them Super Bowl candidates.
“You are absolutely correct. Spears stated on ESPN’s Get Up that “you are 100% correct; they are [a Super Bowl contender with Cousins].” “A Super Bowl contender is an explosive offence led by Mike Tomlin. I promise it.
Cousins’ right Achilles tendon was torn on October 29, and there was no assurance he would be able to return to the field. On injured reserve, he concluded the season.
However, Cousins’ recuperation is proceeding as planned, and in March he will be free to sign with another team.
In the summer of 2022, cousins agreed to a $35 million, one-year contract extension for the 2023 season. According to Spotrac, he has made over $231.7 million during the course of his 12-year NFL career.
This past season, Cousins started eight games and completed 69.5% of his passes for 2,331 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions.
How the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kirk Cousins Might Blend Together
The Steelers have the edge rushers to contend for a championship in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. The organization also believes that defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will recover from their 2023 injuries and be able to play near the All-Pro level the following season.
To reinforce that core, the Steelers have young players like defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
The Steelers have an abundance of youthful playmakers and a rookie offensive lineman on offence.
Considering all of that, Spears contended that Cousins would be the icing on the cake.
“They got this team where they needed to be, even though he [Tomlin] had to fire his offensive coordinator in the middle of the season,” Spears remarked on ESPN. He used Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett as his quarterbacks. That’s all the quarterback is lacking.
In an interview with Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report, Cousins, who turns 36 in August, expressed optimism that he will fully heal from his Achilles surgery by 2024.
Cousins has seven times in his twelve NFL seasons passed for 4,000 passing yards. In addition, he has passed for 30 touchdowns in three seasons and made four Pro Bowls.
Before his limited 2023 season, Cousins was a member of the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022.
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