Steelers, Raiders, Rams and 49ers rumors could lead to signing of former $180M free agent

Steelers, Raiders, Rams and 49ers rumors could lead to signing of former $180M free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . As the second week of free agency winds down, quarterback Kirk Cousins remains one of the most high-profile players available.

Cousins was cut loose by the Atlanta Falcons after he did not pan out following his signing a $180 million contract in free agency a few years back. The consensus is Cousins' best days are behind him, but he did have a decent showing down the stretch of last season to offer hope he might have some gas remaining in the tank. Now, Cousins is looking for a new home, and he almost certainly prefers a starting job, but the best he can hope for right now is a landing spot that gives him an opportunity to compete.

According to Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom , Cousins could wait until much later in the offseason to sign, which would give him a chance to see if any definitive starting jobs will open up due to injury. "Veteran Kirk Cousins is seen as the best quarterback still without an NFL team at this point," La Canfora said. "And it’s quite possible he waits until deep into the offseason to make any decisions about where he is playing in 2026, according to league sources.

" When it comes to teams that could have interest in Cousins, La Canfora reports that the Steelers are "monitoring" the veteran signal-caller, and he also mentions the Raiders as a team that's looking for a veteran backup and possible placeholder. "Pittsburgh is monitoring Cousins and view him as a viable alternative if Aaron Rodgers opts to retire," La Canfora reported. "Las Vegas is still looking for a more establishing quarterback to buy them time if they need it, if presumptive first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza is not ready to start Week 1.