The Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision on Wednesday morning to trade away star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. If there’s one thing the Steelers pride themselves on, it’s knowing when to move on from a wide receiver—something history has proven they’re usually right about. Still, the move comes as a major shock to many fans who were eager to see Pickens line up alongside DK Metcalf in 2025, forming what could have been one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
Now, the Steelers’ 2025 offseason takes an unexpected turn. The team still doesn’t have a clear-cut starting quarterback in the eyes of many, and they're patiently awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers on whether he’ll join them. Trading away Pickens could complicate that situation, as Rodgers reportedly had strong interest in working with the young wideout. It’s a risky move that raises questions about the Steelers' long-term offensive strategy.
However, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on Good Morning Football, Rodgers may have been in the loop all along. Rapoport suggested that Rodgers likely knew about the Pickens trade before it became public, adding a new layer of intrigue to the developing quarterback situation in Pittsburgh. Whether this impacts Rodgers’ decision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the Steelers are betting big on a new direction.
"First of all, as far as Aaron Rodgers goes, he has been working with a future Steelers wide receiver," Rapoport said. "Rodgers has been working with DK Metcalf. If you are wondering what Rodgers thought would happen. It seems he has been preparing for a future with DK, not as much George Pickens."
Rapoport admitted he’s not certain why Rodgers never threw with Pickens, suggesting they may have just been busy at the time. However, he added that it definitely feels like Rodgers knew the trade was coming.
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Steelers' George Pickens gets flagged for a gesture against the Bengals.
The timing, according to Rapoport, didn’t seem like a coincidence.
"Rodgers has been preparing for Metcalf and it does seem like that rapport is being built," Rapoport said. "It always seemed possible that even if the Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, that Pickens could be on his way out."
The Steelers’ wait on Rodgers just got a bit more complicated. The original plan was for Rodgers to step into an offense featuring two lethal weapons in Pickens and Metcalf. Now, if Rodgers comes to Pittsburgh, it’ll be with Metcalf—but without Pickens. Still, Rapoport doesn’t believe the trade will significantly impact Rodgers’ decision, saying he remains very much in play for the Steelers.
Steelers fans will have to wait a bit longer to see how the quarterback situation plays out. The team’s timeline now feels uncertain, as it once seemed like they were going all-in with Metcalf and an aging veteran defense. However, beyond Metcalf, the skill positions now raise more questions than answers.
Steelers' WR Room Just Took A Massive Step Backwards
With Pickens gone, the Steelers’ wide receiver room suddenly feels like it’s back to square one, much like it was in 2024. Pittsburgh spent the offseason aggressively searching for a true complement to Pickens and finally landed one in Metcalf, only to trade Pickens away before the duo could even share the field. It’s a classic business move, and the Steelers likely felt this was the ideal moment to cash in on their talented but unpredictable 2022 second-round pick.
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Steelers' George Pickens looks on during Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the move may frustrate fans hoping for immediate fireworks, it signals that the Steelers are thinking long-term—perhaps beyond just the 2025 season. Trading Pickens opens up financial flexibility and could hint at a larger shift in how Pittsburgh plans to build its offense moving forward. Whether that vision includes Rodgers or a younger quarterback remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Steelers are not afraid to make bold moves, even if it means parting ways with top-end talent to reshape their identity.
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