Steelers Insider Hints At Huge Trade Value For George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some major moves during free agency this offseason, most of which on offense. One of the highest-profile names the Steelers have landed is wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf is guaranteed to bring a punch to the unit, but his presence has also cast into doubt the future of wide receiver George Pickens. Some speculated that the Steelers were anticipating that Pickens would leave before the last year of his contract, and Pittsburgh added Metcalf to compensate. On Tuesday, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote about what he foresees for the wide receiver and what Pittsburgh can do to make the most of Pickens' value. 

There has been a debate about whether it would be a good idea to trade Pickens, and if a trade were to be done involving the receiver, how much could Pittsburgh get for him? Depending on who you ask, the answer ranges from a first-round pick to a third-round pick. According to Dulac, the Steelers are likely to keep Pickens for the upcoming season, but he probably won't get an extension. Trading Pickens however, is much more beneficial to Pittsburgh than letting him become a free agent.

"Pickens is one of those players who would command something good in a trade," wrote Dulac. "Need I remind you the Steelers got a No. 2 (second round pick) for Chase Claypool?"

Dulac totally dismissed the idea of the Steelers moving Pickens before or during the upcoming NFL Draft. Should the Steelers be willing to trade Pickens, they would have all the way up to the trade deadline in October.

It's currently unclear how much other teams would be willing to pay for Pickens. Should Pickens spend the last year of his contract with Pittsburgh, his value as a player could change depending on how he performs. Another good year with the Steelers may see his stock rise, while an injury would make him far less valuable to potential new teams. 

Dulac specifically mentioned trading Isaac Seumalo and Pickens to land a second-round pick, and something else on top of it (like a fourth-round pick). It could be a beneficial move for Pittsburgh depending on the strength of next year's draft class. Seumalo was a veteran player for the Philadelphia Eagles before being signed to the Steelers in 2023 as a free agent. In his time with the Eagles, Seumalo was Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl champion. Pairing Seumalo to a trade offer with Pickens would certainly sweeten the deal.

Steelers Would Love At Least One Season With A Pickens-Metcalf Duo

Pickens is poised to have a big season alongside Metcalf. The two receivers playing side by side make for a scary offense to guard against. However, like the rest of the Pittsburgh offense, Pickens' success will be determined largely by whoever is throwing him the ball. This glaring hole at the quarterback spot of the Steelers' roster is the only uncertainty left when discussing the performance Pickens will have this season.

Of course, Aaron Rodgers might be the single biggest name in Steelers news right now and isn't even a player on the team. Pickens has already played for multiple quarterbacks in his time with the Steelers. He has put up consistently good numbers and maintained his value as a player. It's reasonable to think that when paired up with a veteran like Rodgers, Pickens could have a solid season.

Regardless of what happens to Pickens this season, it is very likely he will not be a Pittsburgh Steeler in the 2026 season. Whether or not he goes out on his own terms as a free agent, or the Steelers trade him beforehand remains to be seen. However, any team that lands Pickens will be lucky to have the receiver on their roster.

Do you think the Steelers will trade Pickens, or will he become a free agent? What do you think Pittsburgh will get for a trade involving Pickens? Let us know in the comments.

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