The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL community with their decision to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. What was once a tantalizing vision of Pickens and DK Metcalf wreaking havoc on secondaries is now a memory, as Pittsburgh chose professionalism over potential with their latest roster shakeup.
Pickens, a 2022 second-round pick, brought electricity and unpredictability to the field. But his erratic behavior—echoing past Steelers receivers like Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant—ultimately led to a swift emotional exit.
Now, DK Metcalf steps into the WR1 role, bringing a resume of Pro Bowl appearances and a more mature locker room presence. The hope in Pittsburgh is that Metcalf, while not as athletically gifted in some eyes, can offer stability and leadership, a trait Pickens lacked during his short but explosive tenure.
For a team desperate to elevate its offensive game, this trade felt more like damage control than progress.
And former Steelers wideout Plaxico Burress didn’t hold back in voicing his opinion.
DK Metcalf must prove Plaxico Burress wrong during his first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers
“How this hurts the Pittsburgh Steelers, they didn’t get any better,” Burress said. “I don’t believe, when it comes down to playing the position and playing the game of football, that DK Metcalf is a better wide receiver than George Pickens... George Pickens, when he’s playing and he’s focused, he’s one of the top five ball players at the position.”
Coming from Burress—someone who knows the highs and lows of being a star in Pittsburgh—those words carry weight. He, too, battled personal challenges, yet carved out a successful career capped by a Super Bowl title with the Giants.
His commentary doesn’t ignore Pickens’ flaws but emphasizes the raw talent Pittsburgh gave up.
READ MORE: George Pickens punctuates Steelers exit with scathing Instagram post
I think Burress hit the nail on the head. The Steelers didn’t get better; they got safer. And in a league that rewards risk-takers, that might be a problem. Metcalf will have his chance to prove Burress wrong, and I genuinely hope he does.
But for now, the Steelers must answer tough questions about their offensive future, without the dynamic, if volatile, George Pickens.
Will Metcalf be the steadying force Pittsburgh needs—or just the safer bet that cost them a potential superstar?