The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be charting their own course, making significant roster moves while quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains undecided about his playing future.
According to a bombshell report this morning from ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh is finalizing a trade that would send wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for draft picks.
“ESPN sources: Dallas and Pittsburgh are working to finalize a trade that will send wide receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys in exchange for draft pick compensation. The trade is expected to be finalized today,” Schefter reported on X.
Pickens, an explosive weapon in Pittsburgh’s offense since being drafted, consistently put up solid numbers, recording no fewer than 50 catches, 800 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in each of his first three NFL seasons.
While the deal has not yet been officially completed, speculation quickly mounted regarding how this move fits into Pittsburgh’s broader strategy – particularly as it relates to Rodgers.
The 41-year-old quarterback has not publicly confirmed whether he will return for the 2025 NFL season, and his potential arrival in Pittsburgh has been a hot topic.
Some saw the timing of the Pickens trade as counterintuitive if the Steelers were hoping to entice Rodgers, given the receiver’s importance to the offense.
“The irony of Rodgers potentially (eventually) signing in Pittsburgh, only for Pickens to leave is amazing. You cannot make this stuff up.” wrote Ryan Cook of The Sporting News.
Fan reactions on social media were mixed. One user expressed disbelief at the timing, questioning the team’s strategy.
However, others floated the possibility that this trade could be part of a larger plan to retool the roster to appeal to Rodgers.
During his time with the New York Jets, Rodgers was known to wield considerable influence over personnel decisions, lobbying for players he had strong ties with – most notably pushing for the acquisition of former teammate Davante Adams.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports hinted that the Steelers’ recent moves might be a signal of what’s to come.
“Aaron Rodgers is going to be the Steelers’ quarterback in the coming weeks or months. Every move Pittsburgh makes — or doesn’t make — screams it,” Robinson wrote.
Whether the Pickens trade is a step toward ushering in a Rodgers-led era or a sign of a deeper rebuild, the Steelers seem poised to make bold moves regardless of when – or if – Rodgers makes his decision.
What are your thoughts on the trade?
How does the Steelers shipping Pickens out of town affect the team’s pursuit of Rodgers? … Was Aaron the one who actually ordered the trade???
