After the Steelers gave up a second-round pick to acquire star wideout DK Metcalf, they were expected to build a thunderous receiver duo in Steel City. With George Pickens already in Pittsburgh, he and Metcalf were expected to be a nuisance to offenses starting this season. However, things are not looking good for the Steelers’ dream of pairing Metcalf and Pickens behind the Steel Curtain. Once, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini stated that the Steelers were taking calls on Pickens, his future in Pittsburgh looks bleak. And since then, one team that has been heavily linked to snatch Pickens from the Steelers drafted a lot of players, just not a receiver.
The Cowboys heavily bolstered their offensive line and defensive line. They even took two running backs from the deep class presented this time. But one position they didn’t address was wide receiver. Dallas was expected to draft a WR2 to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Multiple sources revealed that the Cowboys would have picked Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan if he had dropped to No. 12. But before that could happen, the Panthers took him at No.8. Even Micah Parsons was visibly distraught when he saw Tmac go to the Panthers instead of lining up beside Lamb.
So, with a gap at wide receiver still expected to fill. ESPN’s Todd Archer reported, “The Cowboys had discussions with an AFC North Team regarding a veteran wide receiver.” But he also stated that nothing came out of those trade talks. Considering Pickens is in the market, the Cowboys may have tried to poach him. Even Bleacher Report’s Paul Kasabian predicted, “Pickens could potentially be the answer,” to the Cowboys’ receiver search.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Cowboys had trade discussions centered around an “NFC North receiver” prior to the draft, per @toddarcher
He doesn’t mention George Pickens by name, but it would make sense if it was him. pic.twitter.com/5l47IgY1x7
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 27, 2025
Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract. And Spotrac has projected him to land a four-year, $94M contract. Maybe to push the Steelers into giving him a hefty contract extension, he is asking for a trade. He also apparently unfollowed the franchise on Instagram, so things might not be moving in the right direction for Pickens and the Steelers. His tenure in Pittsburgh has been obviously turbulent. Mike Tomlin once even publicly stated he needed to “grow up” after he was flagged for two unsportsmanlike penalties.
So, only time will tell whether Dallas ends up being Pickens’ next destination. Or are these just futile talks before the Steelers reward their star receiver with a contract he deserves? Considering they also didn’t draft a receiver, it’s unlikely for the Steelers to let Pickens move on—that too after the draft. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ owner gave a massive thumbs-up on the Aaron Rodgers saga as his team did end up picking a rookie QB.
Steelers’ owner all but confirms Aaron Rodgers’ imminent arrival in Pittsburgh
All offseason long, the Steelers have remained confident in signing the 4-time NFL-MVP. Even though Rodgers has made them wait for months, the Steelers’ interest in the future Hall of Famer hasn’t deterred. Well, now, after everything that has happened, it looks like their wait will finally be over. Their owner, Art Rooney II, claimed it’s only a matter of time before Rodgers eventually becomes a Steeler. “We’re are still kind of getting the same signals we’ve been getting recently that he does want to come here. I do think we may get word soon, obviously, with things starting to crank up here with the offseason program.”
Rooney may not have confirmed a date. But you can probably guess it’s gonna happen soon enough. Pittsburgh remains the likeliest landing spot for Rodgers if he does want to prolong his NFL career. Giants and Vikings have both moved on with their QB rooms. Even the Steelers drafted their first QB since Kenny Pickett in 2022. After much contemplation, the Steelers used their 185th overall on Ohio State’s Will Howard.
However, the expectation is that Rodgers will still join the Steelers. Howard is a rookie. Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are back-up at best. So, Rodgers is expected to be the veteran starter the Steelers want until Howard comes of age. But again, only time will tell whether Rodgers does end up moving to Pittsburgh for one last hurrah. If not, then it’s retirement for him. And the Steelers will have to ride out 2025 with whatever they have available.
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