Despite the Steelers’ strong interest in pairing DK Metcalf and George Pickens, the 4th year wide receiver’s name was still being tossed around as a possible trade chip. The moment Dianna Russini stated that the Steelers were taking trade calls on Pickens during the draft, his future in Pittsburgh looked bleak. Given that he has served as the Steelers’ WR1 ever since he landed in Steel City, Pickens remains a top target. However, it seems the Steelers have found a way to pour cold water on those Pickens trade talks. With the draft in the rearview mirror, Pickens may have no other choice but to play behind the Steel Curtain for at least another year.

One of the first franchises that looked into Pickens’ situation in Pittsburgh was the Dallas Cowboys. As The Athletic’s Dianna Russini stated, “The Cowboys were one of the teams that discussed bringing in the Steelers’ wideout.” This came after ESPN’s Todd Archer had already reported, “The Cowboys had discussions with an AFC North Team regarding a veteran wide receiver.” Well, the Cowboys’ interest in Pickens wasn’t surprising at all. Considering they didn’t pick a single receiver in the draft to pair with CeeDee Lamb, Pickens could have been their star WR2.

However, those dreams of Dallas to see Pickens at the Star would remain unfulfilled after all. On the Scoop City Podcast’s latest episode, Russini made it clear, “With the draft in the rearview, expect the trade buzz to cool surrounding Pickens.” Honestly, this news isn’t surprising at all. Like the Cowboys, the Steelers also didn’t pick a single receiver from the draft. Having already paid Metcalf heavily, the Steelers’ plan was always supposed to pair him with Pickens. But Pickens, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is probably looking for an extension of his own.

That could be the reason behind the Steelers searching for possible suitors. Given that the situation of T.J. Watt and Aaron Rodgers is yet to be resolved, the Steelers aren’t focusing on Pickens. He is coming off a season in which he dealt with injuries and character concerns. After missing out on a couple of games because of a hamstring injury, Tomlin even scolded him publicly. Post Bengals game last year, when Pickens was flagged for two unnecessary unsportsmanlike conduct, Tomlin asked him to “grow up.” So, his time in Pittsburgh has been far from smooth sailing. But given the current circumstances, he is all set to stay for another year.

Meanwhile, the Steelers can’t seem to move on from their love for veteran QBs like Kirk Cousins, for instance.

Steelers expected to call Cousins if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t answer

Art Rooney II may have said it might be a matter of time before Rodgers does end up joining them. Still, there seems to be a lot of concern about whether this move will eventually happen. Let’s not forget the Steelers did draft a National Champion QB, Ohio State’s Will Howard. He now joins the QB room that already has Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. So, the Steelers may have found their future field general. But when it comes to the present, they need a veteran QB. Considering there’s still an “if” surrounding, whether or not Rodgers will be in Steel City later, NFL insider Ian Rapoport floated a possible backup plan.

“If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t go to Pittsburgh. I think that’s a possibility for Kirk Cousins,” Rapoport said on Pat McAfee’s show. Well, the only viable way for Cousins to start in this league is with the Steelers. After what happened last season with the Falcons, the Steelers are his best option. He can take advantage of their urgency for a vet and deploy himself in Steel City. But the question is, will the Steelers be happy to absorb some of his guarantees? Given that the Falcons want someone to bear a portion of Cousins’ $27.5 million guarantees this year.

It might be a hard sell for Cousins. However, you just never know who the Steelers do end up going for. After they already surprised us picking Howard, there might be more surprises in store courtesy of Mike Tomlin.