For years now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have tried to maximize every individual season instead of making efforts to secure their future.
Whether it was failing to plan for Ben Roethlisberger's eventual retirement or taking non-premium positions early in the NFL draft, they have routinely shown no regard for what the team could look like two or three years in the future.
There are signs that general manager Omar Khan is starting to change that approach, but there are still major decisions that need to be made for the sake of the Steelers' long-term success.
Finding a future franchise quarterback is at the top of the list, but the 2025 class lacks quality options. What they can do, however, is use their best trade asset as a way to find a potential impact player on a rookie contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers should trade George Pickens for a day-two draft pick
Now that the Steelers have traded for and extended wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, George Pickens could be seen as redundant as a vertical wide receiver. Although they win vertically in different ways, they are both still most valuable as deep threats that draw coverage to their side of the field.
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Having two players with that skillset isn't a bad thing, but paying both of them big money isn't a smart way to build an offense. Pickens is in the last year of his rookie deal in 2025, and he could command significant money with another productive season.
The Steelers have shown no direct signs of wanting to move him, but if a team is willing to offer a day-two pick for the polarizing receiver, they should absolutely take it. While they could get as high as a third-round comp pick for him if he signs a big deal in free agency next year, it would barely be a top-100 selection.
Trading him now, to a team like the Patriots or Panthers, for example, could net them a top-75 pick in a deep 2025 class. They could use that pick to either replace Pickens or take a swing on a developmental QB.
The point, though, would be to get a year ahead of things if Pickens is not going to be extended. Sure, it would be better to have him in 2025 than not, but the 2026 Steelers and beyond could benefit by trading him now.