Dawgs By Nature
The Steelers are known for their problematic, talented receivers with George Pickens just another one
For every team in the NFL, the road to the playoffs is always focused on their division. Win your division, not only are you in the playoffs but you will host a game (until that rule gets changed). That is why we spend energy on the AFC North in our coverage of the Cleveland Browns.
The AFC North is a rugged division and one of the primary reasons the Browns schedule is one of the toughest next year. A look at the draft classes for each team shows how each continues to build.
WR George Pickens is no longer a part of that build for the Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers acquired WR DK Metcalf in a trade this offseason, with many believing it would signal Pickens' departure. With the NFL draft in the rearview, it seemed possible that Metcalf and Pickens could pair up to give whoever the Pittsburgh QB is a high-quality duo.
Instead, the former second-round pick who has caught 174 passes for 2,841 and 12 touchdowns in just three seasons as a big-play receiver is out the door. Many of the red flags that caused Pickens to drop in the draft and led the Steelers to make him available in a trade are also why the return is so low for a high-quality player at an important position:
Generally, young, talented players at premium positions come at a premium cost. Metcalf was acquired for a second-round pick as he was seeking his third contract in his age-28 season in the NFL.
Pickens just turned 24 in March.
Pittsburgh still has to figure out who will play quarterback for them in 2025 and now will have one less talented receiver for that person to throw to. At this point, Mason Rudolph is in line to start for the Steelers.
Are you surprised at the trade return the Steelers got? Would you have wanted the Browns to make a similar deal?
