Aaron Rodgers, Steelers Reportedly Remain in Contact Amid George Pickens-Cowboys Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys doesn't appear to have had any impact at all on Aaron Rodgers' decision on whether or not he will play in 2025.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, while there's no "hard" update at this point, Rodgers and the Steelers have remained in contact with the team being "hopeful" he will sign.

The Cowboys announced on Wednesday that they are trading a 2026 third-round draft pick and 2027 fifth-rounder to the Steelers in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round selection.

The Steelers haven't exactly ignored the quarterback position this offseason, but they certainly seem to be operating like a team anticipating Rodgers will sign at some point.

Pittsburgh has brought in three new players at the position after losing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in free agency. Mason Rudolph, who previously played with the Steelers from 2019 to '23, signed a two-year deal with the team in March.

Skylar Thompson also joined the team on a one-year contract. Will Howard was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

As the draft was going on, Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II did a radio interview in which he said Rodgers wants "to come here" and was hopeful they "may get word soon."

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show last month, Rodgers said he has spoken with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin "several times" but there's no timeline for him to make a decision about whether he will play or not in 2025.

The next big date on the calendar for the Steelers is May 27. That is when they will have their first offseason organized team activities workout.

After mandatory minicamp from June 10-12, the Steelers don't have anything on the schedule until training camp opens at some point in July.

If Rodgers decides not to play this season, Tomlin has said the Steelers are comfortable going into the year with Rudolph as their starter. The 29-year-old went 3-0 as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback at the end of the 2023 regular season, though Rudolph and Co. lost to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs.

Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns in 17 starts for the New York Jets last season. He was released by the club in March, making him a free agent for the first time in his 20-year career.