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 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.
This past season, Cousins started eight games and completed 69.5% of his passes for 2,331 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions.
With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers have the edge rushers to compete for a championship. The team is also hopeful safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward bounce back from 2023 injuries and can return close to All-Pro form next season.
The Steelers have young defenders such as cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and defensive lineman Keeanu Benton to support that nucleus as well.
