The Steelers traded George Pickens just a month ahead of signing Aaron Rodgers, but it seems they had the quarterback’s arrival in mind during the deal.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there were concerns about how well Pickens would harmonize with Rodgers, particularly given some past comments regarding Pickens’ maturity issues.
Following the trade of Pickens to the Cowboys on May 7, reporter Mark Caboley noted that teammates were growing weary of his attitude. Some felt it was detrimental to keep him around at just 24 years old.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned that players at that position “have to grow,” which seems to reflect the team’s frustrations, especially after Pickens was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct during a close win against the Bengals last season.
Moreover, there were reports of Pickens being late to the Steelers’ Christmas Day game against the Chiefs and even getting involved in a scuffle with Cowboys cornerback Jordan Lewis during a Week 5 loss in Dallas.
These incidents likely made the Steelers front office rethink their previous efforts with Rodgers.
Rodgers, who was let go by the Jets early in the offseason, had been rumored to be eyeing a signing in Pittsburgh but officially signed a one-year, $13.6 million deal with the Steelers on June 7.
If the front office did factor Rodgers into their decision on the Pickens trade, it’s clear they felt confident that the Pro Bowl quarterback would ultimately come on board.
Now, with Pickens no longer in the picture, the Steelers’ receiving corps heading into training camp includes DK Metcalf, Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Conversely, Pickens will be teaming up with Dallas’ Dak Prescott alongside other key targets like Ceedee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and tight end Jake Ferguson.
In his last season with the Steelers, the former Georgia standout Pickens recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games.
