Steelers' George Pickens trade request nearly had different outcome, says insider

George Pickens is now the second-fiddle wide receiver in Pittsburgh.

The trade acquisition and subsequent extension of DK Metcalf pushed him to the top of the Steelers' WR depth chart.

That made Pickens a popular subject of offseason trade rumors.

And according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Pickens nearly requested a trade.

But after contemplating that, Pickens plans on staying put.

"Trade talks or any sort of buzz around that has cooled," Fowler said on NFL Live. "There was a little bit of smoke out of the draft, but I was told that Pickens, in the end, wants to be in Pittsburgh. Sort of flirted with a trade request, but in the end, loves Mike Tomlin, wants to be a part of things."

MORE: Steelers urged to make wild moves with Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt

The Steelers have a reason for wanting to keep Pickens, too.

"From the Steelers' perspective," Fowler added, "they want to keep all their arsenal intact because of the quarterback situation."

Pittsburgh is still hoping to sign Aaron Rodgers in free agency. Otherwise, a Kirk Cousins trade could be in order.

The current Steelers QB depth chart includes Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Skylar Thompson.

At least Pittsburgh knows it'll have Pickens catching passes along with Metcalf. That makes the situation better, for sure.

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