Three current Pittsburgh Steelers not named George Pickens that could be traded to a different team during the 2025 NFL Draft

We know that George Pickens has been the subject of trade rumors for over a month now.  Ever since the trade and subsequent extension of DK Metcalf, many believe that he's dispensable despite the clear stance from the Steelers brass.  Regardless of what happens with Pickens, however, here are three other Steelers that you should […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Aug 28, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) looks for a receiver against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

We know that George Pickens has been the subject of trade rumors for over a month now. 

Ever since the trade and subsequent extension of DK Metcalf, many believe that he's dispensable despite the clear stance from the Steelers brass

Regardless of what happens with Pickens, however, here are three other Steelers that you should keep your eye on over the weekend…


DeShon Eliott 

Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) runs off the field after the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) runs off the field after the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Elliott was excellent as the strong safety in Pittsburgh during his first year with the Steelers. He brought back an enforcing mentality and level of versatility to the secondary. 

However, if the Steelers were to draft, oh I don't know, Nick Emmanwori per se (who they have shown considerable interest in), Elliott is an easy trade to make given he's headed into the final year of his deal and would save the Steelers $3m over the cap with a post june 1 designantion. 


Alex Highsmith

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) reacts as he takes the field against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium.
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) reacts as he takes the field against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

I know, I know, this one seems out of left field. The truth is, however, Highsmith's name was heavily involved as part of the package deal that was the Brandon Aiyuk saga last year. 

Add on the fact that Nick Herbig is headed into his third NFL season and has shown signficant progress in the prior two years, and there's a real scenario where the Steleers move off Highsmith in an effort to save money, starting a prospectus starter in Herbig and drafting depth in the third or fourth round. 


Mason Rudolph 

Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) plays the ball in the second half against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) plays the ball in the second half against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium.

Right now, as we stand three days before the draft, Mason Rudolph is the Steelers' starting quarterback. But the team has no intention of keeping things that way. If Aaron Rodgers miraculously decides to sign between now and next week and the Steelers decide to draft some trio of Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, or Jalen Milroe, Rudolph is a respected veteran backup, if not spot starter, that would fetch decent capital in return. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIo7rL6zOv7

I highly doubt he would look to be a third-string player in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers already have Skylar Thompson to fill that spot on their depth chart. So if the combo of a rookie and Aaron Rodgers comes to the team over the weekend, Rudolph is suddenly on the lam. 

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