George Pickens’ Action Fuels Steelers Trade Rumors Before NFL Draft: Report
The Pittsburgh Steelers have indicated that they do not plan to trade wide receiver George Pickens — unless the 24-year-old pushes to leave the team.
On April 23, the day before the 2025 NFL Draft, several reporters reported that Pickens unfollowed the Steelers on Instagram, among them FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Steelers Depot writer Alex Kozora — among the initial ones to highlight Pickens’ activity on social media — also provided a screenshot confirming that the wide receiver had followed the team on March 9.
Unquestionably, this situation generated significant excitement on social media as numerous people discussed its implications.
NFL Insider Indicates Trade ‘Discussions Have Occurred’ Between Steelers & George Pickens Interested Parties
Earlier on April 23, prior to mentioning Pickens’ unfollow, Schultz shared the following:
“Sources: Several teams have mentioned Steelers WR George Pickens in trade talks, making him a player to keep an eye on this week.” Pittsburgh isn’t looking to trade him, but discussions have occurred. Pickens is starting the last year of his contract.
Subsequently, in a subsequent article, Schultz explained that “Pittsburgh has made and received inquiries regarding the skilled WR, who is now eligible for an extension.” Including: “Following the payment to Metcalf, league insiders doubt the Steelers will compensate two wide receivers.”
On its own, this doesn’t seem like significant news — as many aspects have been discussed before April 23 — but in combination with the Instagram issue, it becomes more noteworthy.
If the Steelers were to trade Pickens, it would be logical to do it during the draft. Pittsburgh currently lacks a second-round pick due to the DK Metcalf trade, and trading Pickens could regain comparable value.
Who knows, the Steelers might also utilize draft assets gained from a Pickens trade to secure a suitable replacement for him.
Does the Steelers’ quarterback scenario raise the likelihood of a George Pickens trade during the NFL Draft?
Another factor to take into account regarding a possible Pickens trade is Aaron Rodgers.
If Rodgers had a contract, the Steelers would be approaching the NFL draft in a definitive win-now scenario. They would have a reduced urgent requirement for a quarterback, enabling them to focus their draft resources on other positions.
All of this suggests that Pickens will continue to be in Pittsburgh. However, regrettably, that is not the situation, and the idea of Mason Rudolph steering a Super Bowl contender is somewhat harder to accept.
“Schultz noted in the same pre-draft article that the general consensus in the league anticipated a decision from Aaron Rodgers by draft day, putting the Steelers in a difficult position.”
“A current NFL executive informed Schultz, ‘They certainly must select a quarterback — possibly even two — in the draft.’” “At this moment, it’s solely Mason Rudolph.” You lack any clarity from Rodgers, and you just invested $150 million in Metcalf. I apologize, but you need to tackle this, and you likely have to do it at 21. “If Shedeur [Sanders is] available and I believe he might be, he’s the clear choice.”
Although situation should never determine draft strategy, these are unique circumstances.
The Steelers will likely lose Pickens in 2026, barring a franchise tag — and that could get very ugly, very fast. Either way, it’s possible that the wideout’s trade value is currently as high as it’s ever going to be, and if a Super Bowl feels out of reach, Pittsburgh must prioritize the future on draft night.