Aaron Rodgers Factored Into Major Steelers’ Trade Decision: Report

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys amid the win-now quarterback pursuit of Aaron Rodgers was somewhat of a head-scratcher, but most figured that the Pickens’ behind-the-scenes antics simply wore out their welcome.

At its core, that was most likely the main reason the Steelers decided to get something for Pickens while they still could, but ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported a new piece of information on this topic on June 17. And it involved Rodgers.

“The Steelers moved on from Pickens for a few reasons,” Fowler noted within his latest ESPN article.

Adding: “His maturity issues were well-known within Pittsburgh’s locker room and front office. So, the Steelers made the evaluation that Pickens and Rodgers probably would not hit it off.”

Ironically, many figured that a Rodgers signing would result in Pickens sticking around for one more attempt at a Super Bowl run, but Fowler is reporting the opposite. Unfortunately, there’s no way to say for sure if this was the driving factor behind the move.

It’s very possible that Pittsburgh foresaw tension between Rodgers and Pickens, but it’s also possible that the Steelers were ready to move on from Pickens the moment they traded for DK Metcalf.

Keep in mind that no one met Pittsburgh’s asking price for Pickens during the draft, and it took some time to hammer out a trade agreement with Dallas.

Jeremy Fowler Shares the Skinny on New Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

Fowler actually began his June 17 article with a lengthy blurb about the Steelers’ decision to sign Rodgers in free agency. Below were his thoughts about the move, including the chatter from around the league.

Fatalistic members of the fan base and some members of the media tried to shame Pittsburgh into eschewing a nine- or 10-win season in favor of the 2025 tank job that could help finesse a franchise quarterback out of next year’s draft class. The Steelers will lose in the postseason anyway, they said.

Ask New York Giants fans how they felt about going 3-14 last year and still not getting the No. 1 pick in a draft with one sure thing at quarterback (Cameron Ward). Pittsburgh said no thanks, as it always does … and for good reason.

The Steelers went with the best option at quarterback: a 41-year-old Rodgers on a team-friendly contract that pays $13.65 million and pushes toward $20 million with incentives.

While the skepticism is understandable, I’ve talked to several coaches who watched Rodgers closely last year, including members of the New York Jets staff. They believe Pittsburgh just got a steal.

‘He’s still throwing the [expletive] out of the ball, honestly,’ a veteran NFL offensive coach said. ‘He’s the best quarterback they’ve had since [Ben Roethlisberger]. We will see how the body holds up, but I think he’s going to help them immensely.’

Fowler also pointed out that despite all the problems the Jets had last season, Rodgers still threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Could Steelers Still Make 1 More WR Trade?

The Steelers have been very active within the wide receiver trade market this offseason, acquiring Metcalf and shipping out Pickens. Is it possible one more deal is still in the works?

Pittsburgh fans would love another WR option for Rodgers to throw to, just in case second-year draft pick Roman Wilson takes more time to develop than expected, or suffers another injury.

Behind Metcalf, the coaching staff has talked up Calvin Austin III as the likely WR2, with Wilson — among others — vying for the third-highest snap share in this offense at the position.

As for one final WR trade, if the Steelers are planning it, they’ve done a great job keeping it under wraps. For now, it seems Pittsburgh will enter training camp with the players they have, although there’s still plenty of time for that to change.