The Steelers were the aggressors this offseason in fixing their receiver room. After a season that saw the likes of Van Jefferson and Mike Williams vying for snaps, Pittsburgh traded for D.K. Metcalf, providing the offense with a superstar on offense.
While Metcalf is an elite receiver, his addition does little to solve the George Pickens problem. The case is a simple one to understand: Pickens is a star in the making with all of the talent in the world to be an elite player. In terms of talent alone, Pickens has it all.
Unfortunately, he struggles with his immaturity. He lets other players get in his head, leading to lashing out and dumb penalties. He has also had an effort issue when he feels like he isn’t involved.
Now entering his fourth season, Pickens is eligible for a new deal, and the Steelers don’t seem keen to give him one due to those issues. Pickens may only deteriorate without a new deal in place.
With Metcalf in the fold, you don’t need Pickens anymore. The team should explore a trade, and the deal below would be almost perfect.
Pittsburgh Steelers could move around in the draft with George Pickens
While Pickens straight up for picks is realistic, a potential move back in addition to moving on from Pickens could yield a king’s ransom. The perfect team to complete this trade with? The Green Bay Packers.
The Packers need receiver help. While they have a lot of good role players, they lack the true top option to put them over the top. Pickens would be just that.
They also get the benefit of moving up a few spots. This could yield them a better cornerback prospect or edge rusher.
Pittsburgh does well in this deal as well. In addition to moving back two spots, this trade recoups a second round pick they gave up for Metcalf while also netting a conditional third round pick that could turn into a second round pick in 2026.
Those conditions are simple: Pickens has to record over 1,000 receiving yards and the Packers have to make the playoffs. Worst case scenario is that you add to the wealth of third round picks this team could have. You also bet on Pickens playing hard for his new team and netting a higher pick.
If a deal like this were to occur, the Steelers need to pounce. The move back is minor, and you more than likely still have a top defensive lineman or receiver still on the board. You get back into the second round this year and add to the resources you have for next offseason.
You still have some viable receivers available in free agency, so if you want an established name next to Metcalf, you can easily go down that route.
If a deal like this or similar were to occur on draft night, the Steelers would look like massive winners. You break up with a team cancer and recoup a lot of value for him. Sure, you move back a few spots, but that should be inconsequential at the end of the day. A trade like this would be a massive win for the franchise.