In a somewhat surprising move, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded mercurial wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys receive Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick, while the Steelers acquire a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Pickens was a steady and sometimes spectacular producer. He tallied 174 receptions, 2,841 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns over three seasons in Pittsburgh. But his time there was marred by behavioral issues. He showed up late to a Christmas Day game and drew multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Even head coach Mike Tomlin publicly said Pickens needed to “grow up,” suggesting the young wideout didn’t fit the franchise’s culture. Whether Pickens was truly on the trade block had been hotly debated, but Wednesday morning’s deal made it clear: the Steelers didn’t view him as part of their long-term future.
Then What Is Pittsburgh Steelers’ Plan at Wide Receiver?
Now that Pickens is gone, it’s time to pick up the pieces—and nobody seems to know what the Steelers will do next.
Longtime Steelers analyst Kyle Brandt appeared on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” to discuss the conflicting reports on the team’s plans going forward.
“Wherever you’re headed, I’m in. I’m always in on the Steelers. I will never abandon them,” Brandt said. “I don’t care who they get rid of—and yet still, I don’t know what the hell the plan is.”
“If the plan is for Rodgers, then you just severed a huge piece of talent with which to carry a 41-year-old quarterback who’s gonna need it. If the plan’s not for Rodgers and it’s some, ‘holy crap we’re going with Mason Rudolph,’ then you need as much talent to carry him.”
“I’m still in—and I am because I respect their conviction. They’re saying, ‘We don’t want a future with this player.’ The Steelers have a good sense of who that player is and whether he’s a future Steeler. They’re showing their hand right now. A guy they drafted, a guy they could’ve paid this year if they wanted to—NO, we are out.”
“When the playoff picking time comes out in September, I will pick the Steelers,” Brandt added. “I don’t care if George Pickens isn’t on the team anymore. They’ll figure it out. Just right now, on May seventh, I have no idea how.”
As it stands, the Steelers still have some talent at receiver—just not the combination fans were hoping for. DK Metcalf is now the clear No. 1 option. The 6’4″, 229-pound physical freak will be working outside.
Veteran Robert Woods, 33, just signed a one-year, $2 million deal. His production has declined in recent years, but he brings leadership and experience, along with 683 receptions, 8,233 yards, and 38 touchdowns over 12 seasons.
MORE: What Will Steelers Do at Receiver After Pickens Trade?
If the Steelers do sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they could work with him to identify receivers he wants to play with and pursue them via trade or free agency.
Either way, the Steelers have once again moved on from a wide receiver.