Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent well into May, something that not many expected when his release from the New York Jets was made apparent. While he didn’t have a large pool of teams to choose from, his services have definitely been wanted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, how Rodgers is currently impacting the Steelers’ roster was leaked today.
“This Is Very Unusual” Aaron Rodgers’ Impact On Steelers Trade Goes Viral
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
According to a report, Aaron Rodgers was not informed about George Pickens’ blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys:
After months of trade speculation, the Steelers dealt the star receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Cowboys on Wednesday morning in exchange for 2026 third and 2027 fifth-round selections. Pickens is heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract.
Since his release from the New York Jets, the Steelers have pursued Rodgers in free agency, but the four-time MVP is still deciding between Pittsburgh and retirement. There’s no timeline on Rodgers’ decision, though head coach Mike Tomlin and team owner and president Art Rooney II has expressed optimism that the future Hall of Famer will come aboard.
It’s well-known among football fans that the Jets catered aplenty to Rodgers during his short sweet with the franchise, bringing in ex-Green Bay Packer teammates like Davante Adams, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (right) greet each other after their game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (right) greet each other after their game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
But during his appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show”, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Steelers didn’t give Aaron Rodgers a warning about the pending George Pickens trade:
“My understanding, Rich, is that there was no heads up given. This wasn’t them consulting with Aaron Rodgers on the trade. Aaron Rodgers technically is not on the team right now. There’s this very unusual situation where you think the guy probably is coming, but he’s not actually part of the team. No, they did not give him a heads up on it.”
Pickens’ antics became a problem with the Steelers brass. In December, Tomlin told reporters that Pickens needed to “grow up” after taking two careless penalties in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 2022 second-round pick became expendable for Pittsburgh after they acquired a new No. 1 receiver, D.K. Metcalf, in a March blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks onto the field for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks onto the field for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Here is a look at Pickens’ career stats:
Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Y/R Lng
2022 PIT 17 12 52 801
2023 PIT 17 16 63 1,140
2024 PIT 14 12 59 900
Career 48 40 174 2,841 16.3
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) breaks a tackle by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) breaks a tackle by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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