The Pittsburgh Steelers made a couple of major decisions in the 2025 offseason. It started with the move to trade for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Many fans were excited about the idea of pairing Metcalf with George Pickens to create one of the most dangerous wide receiver duos in the league. With Aaron Rodgers leading the offense, the team looked ready to make a serious run at a Super Bowl.
Associated Press
Steelers' George Pickens looks on while he talks to the crowd during an away game.
However, that excitement quickly turned into confusion when the Steelers traded away Pickens not long after acquiring Metcalf. The move raised concerns about the overall strength of the wide receiver room heading into the season. Fans questioned why the team would let go of Pickens in the final year of his rookie deal, especially when the roster seemed built to win right now. The opportunity to give Rodgers both Metcalf and Pickens felt like a missed chance that never materialized.
Steelers insider Brian Batko addressed the situation during his Thursday chat and explained the real reason behind the Pickens trade. While the explanation wasn’t surprising to some, hearing it laid out by someone with inside access made it more clear. According to Batko, the team felt it had little choice but to move on, even if the timing of the decision didn’t sit well with fans hoping for a loaded receiver group in 2025.
"No, because this is not an apples-to-apples comparison," Batko said in response to a fan questioning if the Steelers should have kept Pickens. "The George Pickens trade went beyond football considerations. I don’t know how many times I can write or say that he had worn out his welcome here on countless fronts."
It became increasingly clear that the Steelers' front office had grown tired of the headaches Pickens was causing. At least in their view, the situation had reached a point where moving on felt necessary. If they believed he was worth the trouble, he would still be on the roster.
NFL on ESPN
Former Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens chirps back at fans while tight end Pat Freiermuth tries to calm him down.
On the surface, the decision doesn’t make much sense. The Steelers are in win-now mode, and weakening the wide receiver room at such a critical time seems counterproductive. Trading Pickens right after adding Metcalf raised more questions than answers. Batko pointed to the move as a strong indication of deeper issues behind the scenes. In his view, the fact that the Steelers willingly made their receiver room worse speaks volumes about the off-field problems they were dealing with.
"You mention pushing all your chips in the middle of the table," Batko said. "I’m not even sure you could trust Pickens to watch your chips for you if you get up to go to the bathroom for a few hands."
Some Steelers fans felt the timing of the Pickens trade was strange. From the team's perspective, they had already decided not to extend or pay Pickens beyond his rookie contract. Rather than letting him walk in free agency for nothing, they chose to get value while they still could. Still, some fans believed keeping him for one more year was worth it, especially considering how aggressively Omar Khan built the 2025 roster.
Steelers Wanted To Add By Subtraction With George Pickens
With Pickens in the mix, this wide receiver room had the potential to be elite. Without him, there’s no question it takes a step back, at least for now. The Steelers made the move believing it was a case of addition by subtraction.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers making a throw during 2025 mandatory minicamp with DK Metcalf in the background.
Whether or not that proves true remains to be seen. Fans will be watching closely to see if the gamble pays off or if parting with Pickens ultimately hurts Pittsburgh’s push for a championship in 2025. All eyes will be on the Steelers to see how they do with Rodgers and Metcalf in the Steel City.
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