The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded away star wide receiver George Pickens. One early reaction across the football world from this deal is how it affects the team's pursuit of Aaron Rodgers. It is odd that a team would give up a big-play threat when trying to lure in a former MVP quarterback, but maybe he actually wanted that to happen. Either way, the Steelers are back to where they were in 2024: looking for a capable starting outside wide receiver to play alongside a go-route jump-ball machine.
While making an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, insider Tom Pelissero brought up Rodgers and how he fits in this puzzle. He spoke about how he usually doesn't work well with people like Pickens.
"We know that Aaron Rodgers -- whether it's with Mike Williams not running the red line last year with the Jets, whether it's with some of the young receivers he had at the end with Green Bay, or going back and forth with Garrett Wilson last year in training camp -- if Aaron Rodgers can't count on where you're going to be on the field, he very quickly is not going to have use for you anymore," said Pelissero. "I'm not saying that's why the Steelers made the trade, but if you're profiling the type of receiver that Aaron Rodgers would want, George Pickens, as talented as he is, may not be the best mesh if and when Aaron Rodgers becomes the Steelers' quarterback."
While Rodgers is likely not the sole reason for the trade, it's fair to say that his lack of tolerance for players like Pickens had some sort of influence on the decision. He has been known to go public with his grievances with teammates, so him and the volatile wideout would likely cause more problems together than solutions.
During the 2024 season, Rodgers publicly called out receiver Mike Williams for not running the correct route on a particular play. Shortly after that, the New York Jets traded for his buddy Davante Adams and shipped Williams off to Pittsburgh. The veteran is also known to have a handful of players that he trusts like Adams, and he's quick to demand that teams acquire them over their current wideouts.
That's why many people are expecting the Steelers to acquire Allen Lazard from the Jets via another trade. Rodgers wanted him in New York, and now that the quarterback is gone, it has no real reason to keep Lazard around for another year. If Pittsburgh is desperate enough, it could make the deal to give Rodgers a friend on the roster.
Steelers Fans Should Have Been Tipped Off By Viral Video
During the offseason, there was a video of Rodgers working out with new Steelers receiver DK Metcalf. Long before even signing a contract with Pittsburgh, the former MVP wanted to somewhat get on the same page with the team's top receiver. The fact that there were professional photographers and videographers there seemed odd, but a message could have been sent there.
Rodgers worked out with Metcalf. He never did the same thing with Pickens. Whether he was anticipating him being traded away, or that was something he actually wanted, it seemed pretty clear that he didn't see the need to throw routes with the young, controversial receiver. If he truly thought that he would have Pickens as an option in 2025, why would he only work out with Metcalf?
Of course, there is still plenty of uncertainty on if Rodgers will actually be a Steeler or not. The offseason programs have started up, and he is still being mysterious about his intentions and what he's doing. Everything about him is being speculated about, including a ring that was seen on his left hand during the Kentucky Derby. Nobody knows when this saga will truly end except for him.
