George Pickens has been the subject of trade rumors since the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for DK Metcalf, and a photo the receiver shared on social media has ignited a new wave of speculation.
The Steelers signed Metcalf to a five-year, $150M contract after acquiring him in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so his future in Pittsburgh is now even more in doubt than before.
Although it may not have been his intent, Pickens got fans buzzing even more when he shared a photo on his Instagram stories Tuesday that showed him standing on the field with Tom Brady.
Pickens shares this pic via his Instagram 👀👀👀👀 #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/QmHuJ8k224
— Graphk Raider (@GraphkRaider) March 18, 2025
Brady is now a minority owner with the Las Vegas Raiders. He has been directly involved in some of the team’s football decisions this offseason. Those who love a good conspiracy theory wondered if Pickens shared the photo in order to drop a subtle hint that he wants to play for the Raiders.
Of course, It is entirely possible that Pickens simply wanted to give a shoutout to the greatest quarterback of all time. The timing was interesting, however, since the photo appeared to stem from an interaction Pickens had with Brady all the way back in December.
Russell Wilson and George Pickens greeting Tom Brady and the FOX crew pic.twitter.com/TPPgjeQaC4
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 15, 2024
Pickens has created some headaches for the Steelers over the past couple of seasons. No one would be stunned if Pittsburgh looked to trade him now that it has Metcalf under contract for years to come.
The Raiders could also use a top wide receiver after they traded Davante Adams to the New York Jets last year.
If Pickens was trying to send a message to Brady, fans are helping him deliver it.
