George Pickens

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Steelers “made the evaluation” that George Pickens and Aaron Rodgers “probably would not hit it off.”

Fowler said Pickens’ “maturity issues were well-known within Pittsburgh’s locker room and front office” after three seasons of on-field tantrums and odd sideline and locker room behavior. Fowler’s report implies that Mike Tomlin and the Steelers coaches traded Pickens, 24, to the Cowboys in May because he would not be a fit for the peculiar and particular 41-year-old Rodgers. It’s a curious short-term decision. Fowler’s report. includes a comment from an AFC personnel official who said Pickens will stay “in line” this season because it’s a contract year. ESPN’s Ben Solak said last month that he believes DK Metcalf’s imprecise route running — an issue that caused conflict between him and Geno Smith in Seattle — could be a problem for Rodgers in 2025.