Steelers Seeking Right Price To Re-Enter Second Round Of 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded away their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft when they acquired star wide receiver DK Metcalf. The team sent their second- and seventh-round picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Metcalf and a sixth-round pick. While giving up a second-round pick isn't ideal, landing a player of Metcalf's caliber makes the trade worthwhile.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, General Manager Omar Khan and the Steelers’ front office will have to decide whether to pursue a trade back into the second round. With limited draft capital, adding another high pick could strengthen the team’s roster and help address any needs. Reacquiring a second-round pick would give the Steelers a valuable opportunity to make an impactful selection.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently suggested, during his appearance on 93.7 The Fan, that while the Steelers are open to trading back into the second round, they will only do so if the price is right. This approach highlights the team's cautious strategy, weighing potential moves carefully to ensure any trades align with long-term goals.

"At the right price, but you aren’t going to give away George Pickens for what you don’t think he’s worth," Fittipaldo said. "That would be silly, but yeah, if there is an opportunity for them to recoup a pick, I think they would think long and hard about it."

Khan has made it very clear he likes to be aggressive and not passive when it comes to roster moves. He has stated that he'd rather trade up in a draft than trade back, which has Steelers fans eagerly wondering what the team may do in the 2025 NFL Draft. The lack of a second-round pick is something Khan is undoubtedly aware of, and it's likely been on his mind as he explores ways to get back into that round.

While the Steelers' front office evaluates their draft strategy, some fans have raised the idea of trading George Pickens to recoup a second-round pick. Pickens is undeniably an immensely talented wide receiver, but there’s a belief among a select group of Steelers supporters that his potential sometimes brings more issues than it's worth. His fiery attitude and sometimes unpredictable behavior have led to speculation about his future in Pittsburgh.

With Pickens entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, the Steelers will face a decision about whether to pay him a significant amount to stay with the team. If the organization isn't prepared to offer him that kind of contract, some fans feel it might be wise to trade him for value rather than risk letting him walk for nothing. This scenario could open the door for Pittsburgh to strengthen their roster while addressing both immediate and future needs.

Steelers Could Get Back Into The Second Round Without Moving George Pickens

The other issue with trading Pickens is that it would put the Steelers back in the same position they were in before acquiring Metcalf. The wide receiver room became instantly lethal with the pairing of Metcalf and Pickens, and breaking up that duo before they even have a chance to fully develop together would frustrate many Steelers fans who were excited about their potential.

Trading Pickens would also drop the Steelers' wide receiver room from one of the best in the NFL to the middle of the pack again. The ideal scenario for many would be for the team to find a way to get back into the second round while keeping Pickens. However, another option would be to leverage Pickens as part of a trade to acquire that second-round pick, which could be an attractive move for Pittsburgh.

Regardless of how it plays out, Khan is sure to be aggressive in exploring ways to get the Steelers back into the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether it’s by retaining Pickens or trading him for value, the team’s general manager will be hunting for opportunities to improve Pittsburgh’s draft position.

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