There seem to be little to no positive signs surrounding the Steelers. They continue to sit in the middle of mediocrity in the NFL. Their head coach refuses to realize their situation and believes they are a piece or two away from a Super Bowl run. They will make a few alterations and hope for different results with Russell Wilson or Justin Fields returning at quarterback.
Change is something every team in the NFL experiences when the offseason hits. No matter if they fire coaches or front office folks or change the construction of the roster. Every team seems to be tinkering with that right now, but Pittsburgh appears content with their average outlook. They might not have a losing season, but they are never in serious conversations to produce postseason success.
If the Steelers want to see results, then they must find improvements. Subtracting someone like George Pickens from the offense might be counterintuitive, but they might be forced to trade the troubled receiver. Look at what the Bills did after trading away Stefon Diggs just a year prior. Moving on from Pickens might be in the best interest of the team.
Some have caught wind of this idea and have thrown out trade proposals for Pittsburgh's newest headcase at wide receiver.
Steelers exchange George Pickens for Dolphins' Tyreek Hill
Mike DeFabo of The Athletic has thrown out a mock trade that would land the Steelers Tyreek Hill. The move would be one-for-one, and it would catch the headlines of the NFL world. Pittsburgh shipping off its most talented receiver in exchange for an aging star would be a bold move.
When you break this down, the Steelers are willing to take on a big contract with Hill in exchange for not dealing with Pickens in a contract situation. Their young receiver has shown a growing case of diva mentality. He has caused constant distractions on and off the field in Pittsburgh. The three-year receiver will be heading into a season wanting a contract extension.
READ MORE: Steelers fans would forget about Justin Fields, Russell Wilson with star QB trade
Expect his demands on that new deal to be lucrative. He will want to be paid top dollar for three to four years. The question is, do the Steelers feel comfortable with that? If not, then trade him before teams catch wind of his issues.
On the flip side of this mock trade, the Steelers get an immediate replacement for Pickens. Hill has been one of the best receivers in football for a long time. Speed is his best attribute, but many are concerned about whether he can still produce as his speed slows down with age. Another concern about the nine-year veteran is his exposure to issues off the field.
Trading Pickens for Hill might solve one issue, but it would open up another can of worms.