The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking decision on Wednesday morning to trade away star wide receiver George Pickens. This move was heavily debated among Steelers fans. Some saw it as a smart decision to get value before Pickens hits free agency after the 2025 season, while others were stunned to see such a promising talent dealt away for future draft picks.
As many Steelers fans try to understand the team’s plans for the 2025 season, a new twist has added fuel to the fire. There is growing speculation that the Steelers possible quarterback for 2025, Aaron Rodgers, may have played a role in the Pickens trade. Rodgers, known for having strong opinions about personnel decisions during his times in Green Bay and New York, is now being mentioned as a behind-the-scenes influence in Pittsburgh’s evolving roster strategy.
Steelers media personality Andrew Fillipponi appeared on the Maggie & Perloff show and claimed Rodgers is already 'calling shots' in the Steel City. According to Fillipponi, the decision to move Pickens could reflect Rodgers’ desire to reshape the offense around players he prefers to work with. If true, this would mark a bold shift in how the Steelers operate, with Rodgers’ voice potentially carrying more weight than even the front office.
"I don’t think Aaron Rodgers wanted to play with George Pickens," Fillipponi said. "I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he went and threw to DK Metcalf. He didn’t throw to George Pickens."
Fillipponi argued that Rodgers didn’t fully trust Pickens and preferred to surround himself with receivers he felt more aligned with—both on and off the field.
As a result, he reportedly urged Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office to move on from Pickens before the start of the 2025 season.
"In interviews about coming to the Steelers, he never once mentioned George Pickens… Given the way Aaron Rodgers interacted last year with Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams," Fillipponi said. "Knowing the personality of George Pickens. I think Aaron Rodgers would have thrown him off the practice field one week in training camp in Latrobe."
The decision to trade Pickens has raised more questions than answers, especially as the Steelers prepare for the 2025 season. With rumors swirling around Rodgers’ involvement, fans are left wondering if the franchise’s future direction will be heavily influenced by the veteran quarterback.
Pittsburgh has always prided itself on a stable, team-oriented approach, but if Fillipponi's claims hold any weight, it would indicate that the Steelers are shifting their mindset to cater to the needs of their likely quarterback for 2025. The biggest concern, however, is that Rodgers hasn't publicly announced he's even going to play for the Steelers in 2025 yet. If he does, he's likely only going to be on a one-year deal.
Steelers Possibly Letting A Player Not On Their Roster Call Shots
This isn’t the first time Rodgers has been linked to roster decisions. During his time with the Packers, he was known for expressing his opinions on personnel and influencing moves behind the scenes. More recently, Rodgers reportedly made waves with the Jets, where rumors circulated about him having an outsized impact on decisions that shaped their roster.
Now, with speculation growing that he might already be having a say in Pittsburgh, it raises questions about how much influence he may hold before even officially joining the team. This could signal a shift for the Steelers. If these rumors are true, it might be a sign that Rodgers has a lot of say behind the scenes. It also could mean he was responsible in Pickens being traded.
