Steelers' Mason Rudolph Shares Sincere Reaction To The George Pickens Trade: "I Tried To Feed Him"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the big time choice to move on from 24-year-old wide receiver George Pickens in the 2025 offseason. The uber talented wide receiver was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in an attempt for Pittsburgh to get draft capital back on a player they likely were going to move on from after the 2025 season anyway. Still, the decision to trade Pickens has worried the fan base as he was incredibly talented and a major part of the Steelers offense over the last three seasons.

Pickens had quickly developed into one of the most dynamic playmakers on the team, known for his highlight-reel catches and physical style of play. While his production was never in question, the Steelers front office seemed to believe that the long-term relationship had run its course. With no signs of a contract extension in the works and growing questions about his fit in the locker room, the team made a calculated move to prioritize future assets over keeping the former second-round pick.

Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph joined the Kaboly + Mack podcast to share how he felt when he found out Pickens was getting traded. Rudolph spoke openly about the surprise and disappointment of losing a top target but remained focused on the season ahead. He noted the importance of moving forward with the players currently on the roster and emphasized the need to build chemistry with the new group of wide receivers.

"I loved George, and I enjoyed going to work with him," Rudolph said. "He was a fun personality. I tried to feed him as much as we could when we played, because good things tended to happen when you did. But I understand the way things go. There was just a need, I guess, for a fresh start."

The phrase "fresh start" has been used frequently in reference to the Steelers’ decision to trade Pickens. During his three seasons in the Steel City, Pickens showed his incredible talent but he also showed some maturity issues that worried the Steelers.

General Manager Omar Khan echoed that sentiment when discussing the move, and it was clear that Head Coach Mike Tomlin felt the same way. Both seemed to believe that parting ways was the best option for both the player and the team.

"We're moving forward with the guys we've got on this roster, and DK [Metcalf], he's a pro's pro," Rudolph said. "The way he takes care of his body and how inquisitive he is, asking questions. Calvin [Austin III], Pat [Freiermuth], Roman [Wilson], Brandon [Johnson] — he's been a solid add this offseason. It's a solid group of guys. Just looking forward to starting practice here in a couple weeks."

Rudolph gave credit to the rest of the wide receiver group and said he’s excited to keep building chemistry with them. With Pickens now gone, DK Metcalf is clearly the star of the room. He’ll be expected to carry the load and elevate the unit, with hopes that his presence can take the Steelers passing game to another level in 2025.

Steelers Will Need Their Young Receivers To Continue To Improve In 2025

Calvin Austin III will be asked to build on the flashes he showed in 2024, while Roman Wilson will need to remind fans why he was considered a steal in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Wilson struggled to make an impact as a rookie due to injuries and missed opportunities, but now with Pickens out of the picture, Pittsburgh will be counting on him to take on a much bigger role this season.

The Steelers will also be expecting another leap from tight end Pat Freiermuth, who remains one of the most reliable targets on the team. If those three players can step up and deliver, the wide receiver corps should hold up just fine. Trading Pickens was a tough decision, but the Steelers front office remains confident in the depth and potential of the group they’ve assembled.

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