there’s a lot to unpack, and the Steelers’ front office seems to be playing 4D chess while everyone else is just trying to survive checkers.
Here’s the quick take:
Trading George Pickens could be bold… or boneheaded. If the Steelers are going all-in on DK Metcalf, then yes, Pickens may feel redundant—but it’s not that simple.
What’s at stake:
1. Pickens vs. Metcalf
Pickens is still on his rookie deal and just posted 900+ yards with a higher YPC than Metcalf. Trading that kind of upside, especially when your QB room is full of question marks, feels premature unless they’re planning a full WR reset or believe Metcalf is the clear alpha.
2. WR Depth & Injuries
Roman Wilson barely got going due to injury. Austin is still developing. Letting go of Pickens puts huge pressure on DK to carry the room—unless they’re confident in a second-round WR falling in their lap.
3. No QB, No Problem?
Omar Khan’s comments about seizing the opportunity with Metcalf make sense on paper, but without a clear QB1, having two top-tier WRs might be like handing fireworks to someone without a lighter. Flashy, but no spark.
4. Second-Round Ammo
Trading Pickens could help recoup the second-rounder they lost in the Metcalf deal. It’s a chess piece. But if they also plan to draft a WR, that hints they’re not totally sold on Metcalf as the long-term WR1 either.
Bottom line: If this is about personality clashes, locker room fit, or future cap space, then fine—maybe trading Pickens makes sense. But based on talent alone, the Steelers might be giving up on a star too soon. Especially when their biggest need is someone to throw the ball to both Metcalf and Pickens.
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What do you think? Would you trade Pickens and double down on DK, or ride it out with both and fix the QB issue first?