Heinz Field’s ketchup bottles don’t squirt themselves. And in Pittsburgh, there’s always pressure when the pantry starts looking bare. After trading away George Pickens—a polarizing but talented wideout—the Steelers have entered the kind of reload phase that’s more reboot than rebuild. But instead of panic, insiders are eyeing the team’s next move with chess-like calculation. If you squint hard enough, you can almost see Mike Tomlin reading a scouting report in one hand and holding a burner phone in the other. Because with Aaron Rodgers still circling and DK Metcalf already in the building, this offense isn’t just hunting for talent. It’s searching for trust.

Early Wednesday, the Steelers struck a deal with the Cowboys, sending their talented young wide receiver George Pickens to Dallas. In exchange, the Steelers received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. While the return might not seem like a big win, it’s obvious the team was ready to turn the page on the 24-year-old receiver. Now it’s time to see what Mike Tomlin has up his sleeve next.

Looks like the Steelers are still sitting pretty at wide receiver after swinging that offseason trade with the Seahawks to snag DK Metcalf. But let’s be real—while they’ve got a solid foundation, they still need a legit No. 2 option for Aaron Rodgers or whoever ends up being QB1 (Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in the building). Gotta keep that offense humming, right?

Enter Andrew Fillipponi from 93.7 The Fan, who thinks Pittsburgh needs to make a splashy move to not just replace George Pickens but actually level up their receiver corps. His suggestion? Go all-in and sign 6x Pro Bowler Keenan Allen. He kept it short on X: “Steelers next move: Sign Keenan Allen. And WR room is better than it was with George Pickens.” Bold take, but it’s not totally out of left field—Allen could definitely be a nice piece for this offense.

Now, let’s rewind a bit to Keenan Allen’s 2024 season with the Bears. The guy put up a solid performance, especially for someone rolling into their mid-30s. In 15 games, he hauled in 70 catches, racked up 744 yards, and snagged seven touchdowns. At 33 years old, Keenan’s still got the juice. For his career, Allen’s stats are impressive: 974 catches, over 11,000 yards, and 66 touchdowns.

As for Pickens? His Steelers stint wraps up with 48 games, 174 receptions, nearly 3,000 yards, and a dozen touchdowns. Not bad at all, but finding someone who can fill those shoes won’t be easy. So, what’s next? Free agency holds some decent wideout options like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper. The Jags have also earmarked Gabe Davis for a post-June 1 cut. That said, there’s always the trade route.

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk even floated the idea of Pittsburgh making a play for Jets receiver Allen Lazard—especially if Rodgers ends up in the Steel City. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports that the Jets wouldn’t mind offloading Lazard, and restructuring his deal to cut his 2025 pay down to $2.5 million makes him affordable and attractive.

Could Tomlin Reunite Allen Lazard With Rodgers in Pittsburgh?

Picture this: September 2024. Aaron Rodgers launches a dime to Lazard for his first touchdown in 610 days. It’s his only score in a Jets jersey that day, but it feels like vintage Green Bay magic. That trust between them? Still very real. Rodgers and Lazard built something over years with the Packers—20 touchdowns and nearly 800 yards in 2022 alone. That kind of chemistry doesn’t just disappear. And if Pittsburgh really wants Rodgers to feel at home, bringing in his guy makes all the sense in the world.

Sure, Lazard underwhelmed with the Jets. He only tallied 23 catches for 311 yards in a dysfunctional offense. But with Rodgers? Totally different story. Slot routes, sideline stretches, clutch third-down conversions—he’s got it. And Tomlin? He values players who do their job without the flash. Lazard fits that mold.

Meanwhile, the Jets are moving on quickly with Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and young guys like Malachi Corley. Even at $2.5 million, Lazard feels like the odd man out. But in Pittsburgh? He could be the glue guy this offense desperately needs.

Bottom line: Pittsburgh plays chess while everyone else plays checkers. Whether it’s Keenan Allen, Allen Lazard, or someone else entirely, Tomlin knows what he wants. The Pickens chapter is closed. The next one? Still being written—but it’s clear the Steelers are setting the stage for a QB-WR duo built on trust, not just talent.