Never one to shy away from controversy, George Pickens has stoked rumors he might be looking for a trade away from the Steelers by featuring a picture with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers awaited Aaron Rodgers’ decision, George Pickens uploaded a black-and- white picture of himself and Tom Brady.
Since he was chosen in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickens has had a stormy stay in Pittsburgh. With erratic quarterback performance, he has put up 2,841 yards; his finest season came in 2023 when the dynamic receiver pulled in 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.
Pickens is still a serious threat, but the Steelers’ explosive deal for DK Metcalf suggests his days at the AFC North team are limited. Pittsburgh not only traded a second-round choice for Metcalf but also penned a five-year, $150 million contract extension.
Given the team’s past of paying defensive studs, it is quite doubtful that the Steelers will follow the Cincinnati Bengals in devoting so much money to two receivers. Pickens, who is never shy from controversy, has therefore apparently hinted to a possible relocation to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pickens uploaded a picture of Brady and him together on Tuesday via Instagram. The picture was black-and- white, and the Raiders’ colors—the seven-time Super Bowl champion has a minority owner—showcases black-and- white.
If Pickens pushed his way out of Pittsburgh while Rodgers still could be arriving, that would be somewhat unexpected. Pickens remarked in a vintage tape from last year: “My dream teammate would probably be Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers, sometimes known as Ed Reed, or someone else entirely.
As the 41-year-old muses over playing in 2025, Rodgers is thought to be weighing offers from the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Steelers. Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns combined with 11 interceptions for the New York Jets, even though his offensive line was not up to par.
Pittsburgh is seeking to sign a quarterback for a fair contract that benefits both sides. Although a trade for Rodgers appears logical for all sides as he hopes to play on a contender, they are not ready to throw off the rest of their roster or the future of the franchise with any deal.
Should Rodgers sign with Pittsburgh, Pickens would surely be delighted as Metcalf and Rodgers would keep defensive backs against the pair honest. He would also accompany the four-time MVP, someone he obviously respects. Given his age, any Rodgers deal would also probably be a temporary play; so, Pickens may still leave the Steelers next season when his contract expires unless Brady’s Raiders choose to pounce and couple him with Geno Smith.