The Pittsburgh Steelers were finally set up for success when it came to the wide receiving corps after a league-shattering trade for DK Metcalf. The combination of the former Seattle Seahawks pass-catcher and George Pickens was expected to be a lethal one, until it wasn't. General Manager Omar Khan made the decision to trade Pickens after the 2025 NFL Draft, which has caused plenty of controversy. Now, the disgruntled wideout will get to team up with CeeDee Lamb in what could be the best duo in the NFL if both remain happy with target share and production.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5895-544x306.jpg "Steelers George Pickens")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (#14) catches a pass and gets ready to run up the field during a 2023 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers fans were relatively split on the decision to deal Pickens, but it seems as if several players in Pittsburgh's locker room were ready for him to be shipped elsewhere. A break-up could have been what both sides needed, but it will be extremely unfortunate if the team that drafted Pickens has to watch him have a career year over in the NFC.
Recently, Pickens and Lamb were in the public eye and spoke about the trade along with the Cowboys as a whole. Lamb spoke to Pickens' defense and all of the negative media attention that Pickens received while with the Steelers. Lamb said that people shouldn't get frustration and distraction confused with the simple trait of being passionate.
"I knew who he was as a player, obviously just watching him with the Steelers and how passionate he is about the game, I think they kind of get it confused once you're so passionate about something you're willing to do anything for," Lamb said.
The full transcript, written by Tommy Yarrish, which is published to the Cowboys' official website, also made sure to highlight a quote from Lamb that suggested that Pickens is already happier being with Dallas compared to Pittsburgh.
"As far as winning goes, and I mean just being happy in an organization, not saying he wasn't, not saying that he was, but I mean you never know," Lamb stated. "He hasn't stopped smiling since he got here, so I'll start with that."
Lamb was careful about his words to not talk poorly about the Steelers, but definitely wanted to make it known that his new partner-in-crime is extremely ecstatic to be on a new team, and that he might not have been like that just a few weeks ago on his old squad. That could always change based on Pickens' occasional breakdowns, but as it stands today, Pittsburgh's fan base may have the unfortunate capability of watching a new and improved Pickens in 2025 and beyond.
AP Photo / Jessica Rapfogel
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb celebrates after making a big play while his team competes in a regular season professional football game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
The Steelers are still in a bit of a tricky situation when it comes to the wide receivers' room, but it's clear that the front office and coaching staff wanted to part ways with Pickens. Even though that decision has led to uncertainty, the Pickens that is allegedly coming out in Dallas is not what was being seen up in the Steel City. Regardless of how the wideout plays in 2025, it's clear that it wasn't working out with the team that drafted him back in 2022.
There will be plenty of opportunities for Pickens to showcase that he is a legitimate top-end wideout in the NFL, but the 2025 campaign will be crucial for him. He won't be the first option in the Dallas offense, which could lead to some frustration that sets in at some point. Overall, however, it appears as if the Cowboys are attempting to rub in Pittsburgh's face the fact that Pickens is one happy individual after the move.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7345-544x306.jpg "Steelers George Pickens")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens stands on the field as the team practices during 2023 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Likely To Make 1 More Wide Receiver Move
Pittsburgh is going to have to get better when it comes to the receiving corps at some point. A decision has yet to be made, but there are some reliable veterans that are still on the market. It all may come down to who is expected to play quarterback, which is why a signing or trade may not occur until Aaron Rodgers finally decides what he wants to do in 2025. There isn't a doubt, however, that the offense got worse talent-wise right after Pickens was traded to the Cowboys.
Do you think Pickens is going to have a career year after the Steelers dealt him to Dallas? Let us know in the comments below!
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