“I believe in George. He [has] been a star for us all season.” Those words from Russell Wilson would hit differently for George Pickens now. The Steelers were in freefall, losing four straight games during the final weeks of the regular season. A lot of fingers were pointing everywhere, including at George Pickens. But Russ came up in defense of the young receiver. “He’s going to be a difference maker for us in the playoffs, obviously, and I’m looking forward to that and what he can do, what we can do together. I’m not blinking on George.” That’s the kind of public backing a young receiver needs when the heat’s on.

Fast forward to now, and Pickens might be feeling that support slip away. The Steelers let Russ walk in free agency, making it obvious that even though the team’s QB situation is a bit of a mess, they’re not continuing with him. So when George drops a cryptic IG story tagging Russ, resharing that perfect TD throw against the Ravens with fire emojis, it’s hard not to read between the lines. Was it simply a goodbye or a glimpse of what could have been? Pickens’ story comes just a few hours after reports of Wilson signing with the Giants started making the rounds.

Yes, that’s right. As per multiple sources, Russell is all set to take flight to New York. Wilson and the Giants have reportedly reached a one-year agreement worth up to $21 million. The QB’s new deal includes $10.5 million in guaranteed money. So, is Pickens’s IG story just a coincidence? Maybe. Well, with Russ signing with the Giants, that’s one less option on the table for Rodgers after the Vikings.

So that leaves Rodgers with the Steelers only, the team he reportedly does not want to sign with. But maybe the former Packers QB will consider it now that no options are left. Last Friday, Rodgers met with the Steelers, spending an entire day with them, but the QB walked out without agreeing on anything. Interestingly, the Steelers aren’t just sitting around twiddling their thumbs, waiting for a response from Rodgers. After hosting Rodgers, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin hosted another QB as well, and it’s not a veteran.

Steelers aren’t putting all their eggs in Aaron Rodgers’s basket

The Steelers currently have two QBs on their squad: Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Mike Tomlin and the front office turned back to Mason after Justin Fields decided to move on with the Jets. As for Skylar, he was signed back in January to a reserve/future contract. Truth be told, neither Mason nor Skylar seems fit to be the Steelers’ starting QB. Rudolph, in his seven-year career, has started only 18 games, whereas Thompson has started just three. So, the Steelers need a QB who can either be their starter or, ideally, a long-term solution. Aaron Rodgers can’t be that long-term option.

Maybe with that in mind, the team decided to meet with 22-year-old Jalen Milroe. The Alabama QB has declared himself for the 2025 draft. Milroe racked up 2,844 passing yards while throwing 11 interceptions in his 2024 season. He could be Pittsburgh’s long-term solution for their quarterback worries. The team has struggled to find a stable quarterback ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired.

The Steelers have the No. 21 pick in this draft, so if other teams pass on Jalen, they might not miss the chance to draft the young QB. And the interesting thing is that the Alabama QB has already expressed his interest in playing under Mike Tomlin’s mentorship. “If the opportunity presents itself for me to be his quarterback, I’ll take full advantage of it,” said the 22-year-old, referring to Tomlin. Now, if the Steelers do seriously consider this and draft Milroe, they’ll get their quarterback. But then, who would Aaron Rodgers be playing for? There’s no one left except for the Steelers now.

So, would that mean the 41-year-old will finally be retiring? Only time, or rather Rodgers, can tell.