After months of speculation, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to move on from George Pickens. Omar Khan received calls during the NFL draft about the maligned receiver, but he chose not to make a move.
The Dallas Cowboys were one of the teams interested, and they didn't let up until a deal was struck. Pittsburgh ultimately received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Now that the former second-round pick is out the door, the Steelers will need several players to rise to the occasion and replace his production. Even with their offseason signaling a run-first approach in 2025, whoever is throwing passes for this team needs more than just D.K. Metcalf to throw to at receiver.
Here are three players who could benefit most now that Pickens is no longer in Black and Gold.
These 3 Pittsburgh Steelers have a golden opportunity after Pickens trade
Roman Wilson, WR
No player has more to gain from Pickens' departure than Roman Wilson. The 2024 third-round pick had a difficult start to his Steelers career as a rookie, playing in just one game due to injuries. He was expected to compete with Calvin Austin III to be the Steelers' primary slot receiver, but he never really had the chance to show what he could do.
Now fully healthy, Wilson should once again compete for starting snaps in training camp. If he can show the versatility to spend time in the slot and out wide, he could see a significant amount of targets in year two.
Pat Freiermuth, TE
Pat Freiermuth isn't the first player many will think about benefiting from the Pickens trade, but his usage could see a significant boost. The veteran tight end is easily the second-best pass catcher on the roster, behind only D.K. Metcalf.
Despite ranking ninth in yearly salary at his position, Freiermuth was just 16th in targets among tight ends in 2024. That number could be closer to 100 if no receivers emerge as a high-volume target next to Metcalf.
I am not expecting a 1,000-yard season by any means, but it would be disappointing if he doesn't see a noticeable uptick in production.
Calvin Austin III, WR
For the first two years of his NFL career, Calvin Austin III looked like a player who might not stick around long. He missed his entire rookie season due to injury, and he failed to produce much of anything in 2023 despite playing all 17 games.
2024 was a make-or-break season for the former fourth-round pick, and he showed flashes of big-play potential. With Pickens gone, there will be an opportunity to earn even more targets as a flexible piece of the offense.
Austin III's height may limit his effectiveness on the outside, but he did play over 150 snaps there in 2024. If he could soak up even more of those snaps in 2025, he could earn himself a contract extension and remain a Steeler for years to come.