Steelers Linked to Packers Receiver Amid Rodgers Rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers have willingly set themselves back to square one at receiver.

By trading receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 Day 3 pick swap, they made a responsible move that should help ensure a franchise quarterback is acquired in next year’s NFL Draft – coincidentally held in Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers also created the same offensive problem that hindered their squad last season.

Receiver DK Metcalf, whom the team traded for in March, will take on Pickens’ role as the only above-average starter on the perimeter.

That development puts a dent in Pittsburgh’s chances, even if Metcalf is an upgrade over Pickens. It might also fall down the totem pole of problems with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense.

As things stand, Aaron Rodgers is a free agent, and Mason Rudolph is set to start against the New York Jets in Week 1. If Rodgers does put pen to paper, though, it’s easy to see another receiver following him to Western Pennsylvania.

In Albert Breer’s recent mailbag, he linked the Steelers to Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs.

“If the Steelers want more after seeing those guys in OTAs, there is an interesting dynamic unfolding in Green Bay,” Breer wrote. “The Packers drafted Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third. Both of those guys are going to make the team. They’re also bringing back Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson is returning [from] injury.

“That’s six guys before you even get to others, such as Mecole Hardman. It feels like the Packers could move at least one before the season. And Doubs and Watson were around Aaron Rodgers as rookies. Rodgers spoke highly of Doubs back then. So if you put the pieces together, maybe there’s a match.”

Doubs makes sense as the odd man out in Green Bay. He has long been considered the “sacrificial X receiver” to open up intermediate windows by running vertical routes that aren’t the intended target on a given play. Such a role is rather replaceable, and the aforementioned Williams, who boasts similar speed and a more imposing frame, could take those snaps.

Doubs is in a contract year and will count for just $3.5 million against the cap. After posting back-to-back 600-yard campaigns, there’s a chance he’s a cheap acquisition for Rodgers to campaign for, should he sign.

The fit isn’t perfect, given his redundancy with Metcalf. But if Rodgers wants a trusted battery mate, Doubs would at the very least insulate the unit without breaking the bank.