Buying and selling again within the first spherical is a technique for the Pittsburgh Steelers to recoup misplaced draft worth from buying DK Metcalf, however the largest return would come from buying and selling WR George Pickens. In line with FOX Sports activities’ Jordan Schultz, that would occur main as much as the draft.
“George Pickens is one intriguing commerce title to observe. Pittsburgh has taken and made calls on the proficient WR, who’s now extension-eligible,” Schultz wrote. “After paying Metcalf, league sources are skeptical the Steelers pays two receivers.”
He added extra context on X.
“Sources: A number of groups have introduced up Steelers WR George Pickens in commerce discussions, and he’s a reputation to observe this week. Pittsburgh Ins’t actively buying him, however the conversations are being had,” Schultz wrote.
Metcalf was given a four-year extension that pays him a complete of $150 million over 5 years with the final remaining 12 months of his earlier contract factored in. Pickens’ worth is up for debate, however Ja’Marr Chase simply raised the bar for WR contracts with over $40 million per season.
If I needed to guess, Pickens will get someplace within the excessive $20-million vary. That may be a large amount of cash tied up within the receiver place, particularly and not using a franchise quarterback underneath contract.
Whereas the Steelers might wait and play out the 2025 season with a possible excessive 2027 compensatory decide in return for shedding Pickens in free company, they might speed up that course of with a commerce now. They may even get a better decide within the course of.
In line with Jerry Jones yesterday, the Dallas Cowboys are in strategy of figuring out two “substantive trades” earlier than or throughout the draft. They’ve a necessity at receiver and could possibly be among the many groups in touch with the Steelers. Schultz additionally hinted that the Packers are in on the motion.
“It’s simply not of their DNA to spend that a lot on two wideouts,” one AFC GM informed Schultz in regards to the Steelers. “Pickens is extra accessible than individuals suppose. Inexperienced Bay’s been severe, they usually’re not the one ones.”
If this report is to be believed, there may be fairly the market forming for Pickens. That’s no massive shock given the dearth of impactful vast receiver choices within the 2025 draft.
For what it’s price, Omar Khan informed the media throughout the Steelers’ pre-draft press convention that they sit up for having Pickens and Metcalf on the identical roster. He appeared to strongly recommend that Pickens might be staying. However it’s mendacity season within the NFL.
Yahoo Sports activities’ Charles Robinson additionally reported some commerce buzz on Pickens yesterday and particularly talked about the Cowboys as a possible commerce accomplice.
If a bidding struggle takes place, the Steelers could possibly be positioned to get some good worth in return. If Pickens is dealt, the WR place will must be addressed over the primary two days of the draft, and the primary spherical wouldn’t be out of the query.
