Last month, the Steelers boldly traded a 2025 second-round pick to the Seahawks for DK Metcalf, immediately signing him to a five-year, $150 million deal. This acquisition was clear: Pittsburgh was serious about revamping its offense. With Metcalf’s impressive track record—66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns last season—the Steelers aimed to boost their aerial attack. But with Metcalf signing with Pittsburgh, questions have been raised about George Pickens‘ role, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

And that’s where it got pretty interesting. See, the pairing of Metcalf and Pickens sparked discussions among analysts and the players alike. ESPN’s Mina Kimes described it as “an incredible pairing,” noting that both receivers thrive on deep routes and could complement each other well. Then there was the Steelers’ tight end, Pat Freiermuth, who echoed this sentiment, stating that having both on the field would “cause defenses a lot of conflict.”

But if you’re thinking that everything’s going smoothly in Pittsburgh, think again. Despite this optimism, many speculated about Pickens’ future in Pittsburgh. Because let’s be real—the Steelers have already invested heavily in Metcalf. Now, considering Pickens’ entering the final season of his career, the Steelers would need to address his contract extension.

Or they could trade him. Yeah, the rumor mill is buzzing that a potential trade option of Pickens could be on the table. FOX Sports NFL Insider, Jordan Schultz, reported on his official ‘X’ handle that “Multiple teams have brought up #Steelers WR George Pickens in trade discussions, and he’s a name to watch this week.” While the Steelers didn’t confirm anything, but as per Schultz, the conversations have already taken place.

Well, let’s call it what it is. The Steelers have a lot of things to tackle in the 2025 NFL draft, and addressing Pickens’ future is surely one of ’em. Earlier, it seemed that the Steelers would enhance Pickens’ contract. But after trading for Metcalf and later signing him on a $150 million deal, it all comes down to the money game. And according to Jordan Schultz, the Steelers have received and made some trade calls for Pickens.

“George Pickens is one intriguing trade name to watch. Pittsburgh has taken and made calls on the talented WR, who’s now extension-eligible. After paying Metcalf, league sources are skeptical the Steelers will pay two receivers,” Schultz wrote. To make it more interesting, the executives from the other teams are hoping to get this deal done as soon as possible. The reason?

Well, an AFC general manager told Schultz that “It’s just not in their (Steelers) DNA to spend that much on two wideouts. Pickens is more available than people think. Green Bay’s been serious, and they’re not the only ones.” Indeed! But the funny thing is that the Steelers’ general manager, Omar Khan, admitted on the team’s pre-draft conference that they’re not going to trade Pickens.

But here we are. Not just the Steelers received trade calls from the other teams, they also reportedly made some calls to trade the 24-year-old wideout. And when an AFC GM stated that Green Bay’s been serious to trade Pickens, and they aren’t the only one. The GM wasn’t talking the talk. In fact, lurking in the shadows are Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, who could trade for the star WR.

Perhaps it’s time for George Pickens to leave Pittsburgh

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are hunting a wide receiver. Why? Besides CeeDee Lamb, who’s been the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ receiving corps (four consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons, 3 consecutive 100+ receptions, and 38 career touchdowns), the rest of the receiving corps has been a major concern for the team. Sure, Jalen Tolbert is entering the fourth season of his career, after recording a career high 49 receptions for 610 yards, but the consistency? Yeah, it’s been lacking.

And that means only one thing: the Cowboys have to address their WR issues in the NFL draft. And don’t be surprised if Dallas makes some noise during or after the NFL draft. The reason? Well, during the pre-draft conference, Jerry Jones confirmed trade possibilities. “We’re looking at two things that could happen before or after the draft,” he said. “Two pretty substantive trades. Been working on today.” Two freaking trades.

And as per Yahoo Sports NFL insider Charles Robinson, one of ’em could be George Pickens. “The Cowboys are hunting wide receivers, and they really want to get a wide receiver at 12,” Robinson told Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller on 93.7 The Fan. “They want an elite-level number two. There is not necessarily an elite-level number two (in the Draft). Right now, since (Dallas owner) Jerry Jones is talking about trades, teams are wondering if that is George Pickens.”

Robinson believes that Pickens is exactly what the Cowboys want to add to their roster. And he’s an ideal WR2 to Lamb. But what about the Steelers? Well, if they trade Pickens, who’s going to be their WR2? They can’t draft one, considering they don’t have a second-round pick, thanks to a bold Metcalf trade.

Now, the way things are shaping up, the Steelers trading Pickens for a second-round pick seems an ideal situation here. It’s a complicated situation, folks. Mike Tomlin and Co. know that keeping Pickens on the roster will cost them a good chunk of money. In that sense, trading the guy could be an option. After all, the teams are already eager to trade for the 24-year-old WR.