Steelers Could Reap Unexpected Help From The Jets By Landing Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ chances of landing free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers got more complex on Wednesday. Early Wednesday morning, Pittsburgh finalized a surprise trade, sending wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. That move immediately raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as a sign that Rodgers might no longer be headed to Pittsburgh. The original plan was to surround him with a dynamic receiving duo of Pickens and DK Metcalf, but with Pickens gone, the wide receiver room has lost some of its excitement.

Despite the trade, the Steelers still have a clear No. 1 wide receiver in Metcalf, who was acquired earlier in the offseason. Metcalf brings size, speed, and physicality that make him an elite target on the outside—exactly the kind of playmaker Rodgers has thrived with throughout his career. While losing Pickens is a blow to the team’s depth and future upside, the presence of Metcalf ensures that Rodgers would still have a top-tier receiver to lean on if he signs with Pittsburgh.

NFL insider Rich Cimini offered an unexpected development that could work in the Steelers’ favor. According to Cimini, the New York Jets could be exploring options to move wide receiver Allen Lazard, a trusted target and longtime favorite of Rodgers from their Green Bay days. 

"The George Pickens trade will surely fuel speculation of an Aaron Rodgers–Allen Lazard reunion, considering the Steelers could really use a WR," Cimini said. "A few thoughts on a potential trade: From a cap standpoint, it's palatable for the Jets. After an $8.5M pay cut, Lazard counts only $4.6M on the cap. A post–June 1 trade would save $2.4M on the cap, leaving a $2.2M dead charge. His $2.25M base salary certainly would be inviting for the Steelers."

If Pittsburgh acquires Lazard, it would immediately reunite Rodgers with a familiar weapon and help round out a receiver room now built around Metcalf. Rather than signaling the end of the Rodgers pursuit, the Pickens trade may be just one part of a broader plan to reshape the offense to suit his preferences.

Cimini believes the Jets have a crowded wide receiver room, with only Garrett Wilson firmly locked in as their bona fide No. 1. He also points out that the team has three veteran wide receivers, but not all of them are likely to make the final 53-man roster. This could make Lazard expendable in the eyes of many, potentially paving the way for a move that could finally convince Rodgers to commit to Pittsburgh.

The final question Cimini raised was particularly insightful: Why would the Jets play any role in helping Rodgers feel more comfortable in Pittsburgh, especially after he went on The Pat McAfee Show and criticized their new regime so publicly? It's a fair question, given the tense circumstances surrounding Rodgers' departure from New York. 

Steelers Likely To Add At Wide Receiver After George Pickens Trade

However, the NFL is ultimately a business, and while the Jets may not be actively working to make Rodgers feel more at ease in Pittsburgh, their possible decision to part ways with Lazard could still benefit the Steelers. If the Jets no longer see a need for Lazard in their plans, they may be willing to trade him at a reasonable cost or release him. 

This could allow Pittsburgh to land a player they desperately need, while also securing him at an affordable price—a situation that could ultimately work out well for both sides without the Jets directly aiding Rodgers' move to the Steel City. The Steelers are in the market now for help at wide receiver. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Lazard and how it may help the Steelers get a decision out of Rodgers. The wait for Rodgers continues and now without Pickens in the mix.

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