DK Metcalf trade means this could be the end for Steelers wide receiver George Pickens this upcoming 2025 season. According to the breaking news, the Steelers made a surprise trade this week to open up free agency to finally find a capable wideout alongside Pickens. However, this could mean the team could be exploring the idea of trading Pickens now that they have their true No. 1 receiver. There’s a lot of excitement for the Steelers as the future is bright for the team’s offense but the reality might come sooner than anyone is anticipating.
Last year, the Steelers were in the same situation in their quarterback department after trading Kenny Pickett and quickly replaced him with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. It seems like Wilson won the job as of this posting if he doesn’t sign anywhere else this offseason. However, Pickens has been a distraction for the team in the past and now that he enters the final year of his contract, it could mean a bigger question for next year. Rumors were flying high after the season where the Steelers could trade Pickens and it seems likely it could be the case.
It’ll be interesting to see how these two will get along in one locker room. Many might expect some turmoil between the two but that will be up to the organization to see how it fares this year if they keep Pickens. The Steelers could save the headache and trade Pickens now that he has value to these five teams.
DK Metcalf Trade May Spell End for Steelers Wide Receiver George Pickens – 5 Possible Next Teams
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
As of this post, the Carolina Panthers haven’t done anything to improve their pass-catching department this free agency. The team extending Tommy Tremble is a positive step but they need a consistent receiver to catch the ball from quarterback Bryce Young. Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are two promising wideouts but the Panthers could use Pickens’ presence to build a new foundation if it doesn’t bode well in Pittsburgh.
Washington Commanders
As for the Commanders, they’re still adding new acquisitions to their offense after trading for Tackle Laremy Tunsil to enhance the offensive line. It’s a perfect gate for quarterback Jayden Daniels but just because after trading for Deebo Samuel, they would stop now to improve the receiver department. The Commanders trying to maximize Daniels’ rookie deal and they could do this by trading for George Pickens next.
Dallas Cowboys
Owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys won’t be aggressive this free agency again but they did mention “passive aggression” prior. As it stands, CeeDee Lamb is the only reliable superstar target for Dak Prescott. This isn’t ideal for a team that wants to win, especially after extending Prescott to a blockbuster deal last offseason. Pickens is the perfect man for their situation to be their No. 2 receiver and could form a formidable chemistry with Lamb.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers lost Joshua Palmer to the Bills and they will probably release Quentin Johnston after two underwhelming seasons. The team needs a new pass catcher in the worst possible way if Jim Harbaugh wants this team to advance further in the postseason next year. Ladd McConkey is the only set of reliable hands and a guy like Pickens could emerge as the No. 1 receiver for the Chargers to help quarterback Justin Herbert.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints might not have the cap space but they could pull off the unthinkable if they really want to. Chris Olave is the only receiver who has true potential to become a star while Rashid Shaheed has his moments. He and Pickens could be a good duo in New Orleans and finally give Derek Carr a legitimate chance in the NFC.
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