The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many on Wednesday morning when they traded away their star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. In return, the Steelers received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, while the Cowboys also received Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This move signals that the Steelers had no interest in extending Pickens beyond 2025 and opted to get value for him now, rather than letting him walk without compensation.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5348-544x306.jpg "Steelers George Pickens")
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Wide receiver George Pickens (#14) walks off the field with his head down during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The decision to trade Pickens leaves the Steelers' wide receiver room looking unsettled. With DK Metcalf as the lone proven threat, the team now faces the challenge of adding more depth and reliability to its receiving corps. This trade has certainly left fans wondering about the future direction of the offense and whether a new face will step in to fill the gap.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared some insights on Good Morning Football, revealing that General Manager Omar Khan isn’t done yet. Rapoport fully expects the Steelers to continue searching for a new wide receiver following the Pickens trade. He would be shocked if the Steelers don't add another wide receiver soon.
"I would be surprised if the Steelers are done at the wide receiver position," Rapoport said. "They are likely to at least sign one more and there are a couple of talented wide receivers still on the market."
The Steelers’ decision to trade away a 24-year-old wide receiver signals that they’re focused on building for the future. However, throughout the offseason, the team has operated with a win-now mentality, starting with the trade for Metcalf and the subsequent $30 million-a-year deal. This latest move, however, seems to contradict that approach, leaving some questions about the team’s overall direction.
Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf speaks while getting introduced to the Pittsburgh media.
Despite the apparent shift in the team’s approach to building its roster, the Steelers felt they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get significant value for a player they weren’t planning to keep beyond 2025. The trade, while seemingly unexpected, represents a strategic move to maximize their assets, even though it complicates matters in the short term.
According to Rapoport, despite the potential challenges this trade presents in the immediate future, the Steelers are in good hands with Khan. Rapoport believes that Khan and the front office will explore every avenue to find a way to replace Pickens effectively.
Whether through signing a reliable free agent to fill the void or orchestrating another trade, Rapoport is confident that the team will be proactive and make the necessary moves to address the gaping hole that now exists in the wide receiver room. The Steelers’ track record of making smart roster adjustments and finding key contributors through free agency leaves little doubt in Rapoport’s mind that they will find a suitable solution.
Steelers' Remaining Options To Replace George Pickens
The two remaining free-agent wide receivers who could potentially help the Steelers in 2025 are Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper. Allen, 33, is a 12-year veteran coming off a productive 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, where he recorded 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. At the right price, he could be a solid option for Pittsburgh.
USA TODAY
Former Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Amari Cooper runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Another potential replacement is Cooper, 30, a 10-year NFL veteran. Cooper had an outstanding 2023 season with the Cleveland Browns but struggled to find his rhythm with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 after being traded. While he may not be as dynamic as Pickens, Cooper remains a talented wide receiver and could still provide value as a replacement for the Steelers.
The Steelers just made a huge move by trading Pickens. Now, Steelers fans will wait, trust Khan, and watch to see how they address the wide receiver position following the loss of Pickens.
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