The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to move on from former top wide receiver George Pickens was a complicated one, but fans had plenty of reasons to be fine with the move. Getting a third-round pick from the Dallas Cowboys with just one year left on his deal was good value, and Pickens had become a problem due to his on-field attitude and inconsistency.
He was well worth the second-round pick Pittsburgh used on him from a production standpoint, with 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in three seasons. The issue was his boom-or-bust playstyle and inconsistent effort level.
He had more games under 25 receiving yards (nine) than games with over 100 (eight). He often failed to make a consistent effort as a blocker as well, and he had several bone-headed plays that he became known for.
With CeeDee Lamb's recent injury landing him on injured reserve, Pickens has a perfect opportunity to change the narrative on his career and remind Steelers fans of what they could have had.
George Pickens can make Pittsburgh Steelers feel major regret about his departure
Some Steelers fans may already be questioning the front office's decision to move Pickens this offseason. Despite being third in targets so far this season for the Cowboys, he would still be leading the Steelers in receptions (13), yards (166), and tied for touchdowns with two.
Now that he is the top wide receiver with Lamb on the shelf, his production has the chance to skyrocket. Their 1-2 start may look poor, but the offense has been humming thanks to a resurgent Dak Prescott at quarterback. Dallas ranks 10th in scoring offense and fourth in yards through three weeks,
They will face their toughest test yet this week, however, as they welcome the Green Bay Packers and their former All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons. Green Bay's defense has been dominant this season, but their secondary is beatable if you can block their front.
Pickens' ability to win contested catches will be vital to their chances of winning, as Prescott may look to avoid pressure by giving him a jump ball as a last resort. Few receivers in the NFL, if any, are capable of more spectacular plays in those situations.
If he can show the flashes of brilliance he once did in Pittsburgh this week and beyond, Steelers fans may be left wondering what the offense would have looked like with both Pickens and Metcalf as the top receivers in 2025. If he fails to make up for the loss of Lamb, then his chance to be considered a bona fide top target may be a thing of the past.