Like last year, the Steelers find themselves in desperate need of a receiver. The rag-tag options from last season failed to separate themselves from the pack, and the group effectively sank when George Pickens was injured. The team was all over every available receiver last offseason but came up empty-handed when it mattered the most.
The Steelers can’t repeat the same mistake this year.
Unfortunately, the issue is only more prevalent. It is finally decision time on George Pickens, and if the team is uncomfortable giving him a massive contract, he will likely be traded. No matter what the choice is with him, landing a big name across from him would be wise.
Pittsburgh showed a willingness to entertain star trade targets at the position last year, and they should be all over Garrett Wilson if/when he requests a trade. It won’t be cheap, but even if the 2025 first-round pick is needed, adding Wilson would be worth the cost.
Garrett Wilson is a cure-all for the Steelers
I rarely, if ever, feel like trading your first-round pick is the right move given the value that pick could have. However, the stars have aligned this year to make the move worth it.
One could argue that receiver is the most likely first-round target given the draft structure and team needs. If you are already set on taking a receiver with your top pick, why not secure a known commodity that is still young and has a fifth-year option to work with?
The receiver free agency market is highlighted by Tee Higgins, but there is no great path for him to end up in Pittsburgh. The Bengals might keep him, and if they can’t, one of the biggest bidding wars in NFL history will likely take place.
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You would have control of Wilson for at least two years, and you get to see what he is like for a year with his fifth-year option to make sure you want to sign him to a massive deal.
He also profiles as a receiver type that has typically thrived with this team. He is a sharp route runner who can win deep or turn a short pass into a long gain. His style of play has few weaknesses, and he could effectively play any of the three receiver spots on offense.
He has also been productive despite lacking quarterback situations. He made the most of Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle before Aaron Rodgers came to town. The expectation was for a massive breakout season, but Rodgers failed to have the impact many thought he would.
Sure, getting a rookie receiver means a few extra years of cheaper contracts, but there is also no guarantee that you get a player even close to Wilson’s caliber. All of that considered a first-round pick for him would be a fair trade.
This also gives you flexibility with Pickens. Obviously, if he were traded, you have a capable top receiver to replace him. If you want to lock him up on a big deal, you can realistically have both under contracts with manageable cap hits for the next few years.
While big trades like this aren’t historically moves the Steelers make, getting Wilson this offseason makes a lot of sense. He gives you a top receiver to either replace or pair with Pickens. The draft is always a lottery, so using that first pick on an established star instead would be a home run move.