NFL rumors: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Here are the latest NFL rumors surrounding Derek Carr’s predicted landing spot, the Steelers getting Kenny Pickett his guy, and the Pats’ frustrating stubbornness.
Another day, another influx of NFL rumors that could shake up the league ahead of the draft in April.
As prospects gear up for the NFL Combine, there’s more going around the league than just predicting 40-yard-dash times and whether Alabama quarterback Bryce Young will be listed as below or above 6-feet-tall.
Most franchises are currently looking forward to the future, as in the case of the Baltimore Ravens desperately trying to ink quarterback Lamar Jackson to a new deal. In this not-so-quiet part of the offseason, high-profile players like Leonard Fournette and Brandin Cooks could find new teams; the juiciest gossip, however, involves free agent quarterback Derek Carr as he prepares for a change of scenery. Will it be in New Orleans or New York?
Let’s take a look at three of the biggest NFL rumors right now.
NFL Rumors: Steelers may give Kenny Pickett his own Ja’Marr Chase
Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow got his old college friend, Ja’Marr Chase, in the 2021 Draft. Could the Pittsburgh Steelers take a page out of the Bengals’ book and pick up top wideout prospect Jordan Addison, reuniting Kenny Pickett with his former Panthers teammate?
Addison, on his part, is basically taunting the Steelers to go after him with their 17th overall pick. He issued a clear message, a dare, even, to the franchise at the NFL Combine: “Come get me.”
Many Steelers fans may have already fallen in love with Addison based on his production with Pickett back in 2021. The two made up quite the mesmerizing QB-WR duo as Pickett threw a record-breaking 42 touchdowns that season, 17 of which landed in Addison’s hands. With Pickett under center at Pittsburgh in 2021, Addison recorded an unbelievable 1,593 receiving yards in 14 games and was quickly hailed a a future top draft pick.
Addison spent last season playing for USC, where he couldn’t muster up the same production but still ended his college career as one of the top players in the 2023 wide receiver class, a class significantly weaker than last year.
From Addison’s perspective, of course he wants to play on the Steelers. He could immediately earn a starting spot alongside George Pickens and have some fun with a good buddy and developing quarterback in Kenny Pickett.
From the Steelers’ perspective, the franchise won’t be so eager to spend a first-round pick on an undersized and potentially overhyped wideout. The Steelers have more concerning roster holes to address, such as the offensive line and cornerback unit, and Addison just hasn’t garnered the same national recognition as other first-round wideouts like Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase or 2022 rookies Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and others.
