The NFL Draft is finally here, but wide receiver George Pickens made an aggressive move and unfollows the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to the breaking news, the wideout wasted no time in unfollowing the time, which is igniting the trade rumors that he may be dealt during the draft weekend. Pickens led the league in average yards per catch in 2023 and had more of a down year the following campaign last year. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product’s days may be numbered ever since the Steelers made the move to trade for star wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan said they’re not looking to trade Pickens, but it doesn’t mean the wideout himself can’t request one out of Pittsburgh. There were high hopes that Pickens and Metcalf would form a capable duo for whoever would become the next signal-caller for this franchise. Despite that, concerns have been ringing about the potential duo and how it can be a locker room issue in future matchups throughout the 2025 season. This is true since both wideouts are competitive, and being that Pickens had issues with consistency related to former Steeler Diontae Johnson, it’s safe to say the team will move.
The Green Bay Packers are the top suitors for Pickens, but they won’t be the only team ringing the Steelers’ phone this weekend; these other 4 teams will.
Breaking: Former Second Rounder George Pickens Unfollows Steelers, Igniting Trade Rumors
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
Luckily, the New Orleans Saints might have the advantage in this situation. The team has two day 2 picks this weekend, so they could facilitate some type of deal to get Pickens. Despite that, the Saints need a new wide receiver to help Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed in the aerial attack. It’s been a chaotic offseason for them already, so getting another potential explosive weapon builds confidence for whoever steps up as the next signal-caller.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys need all the help in their receiving corps they can get. Owner Jerry Jones said they’re working on some substantive trades, and that might just include George Pickens. The Cowboys can’t win a Super Bowl anytime soon if they bet on rookies to help star CeeDee Lamb this 2025 season. At least with Pickens, they have another wide receiver with upside that is still on a rookie contract.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers could use another wide receiver for quarterback Bryce Young’s future. Veteran Adam Thielen will probably retire after this upcoming season, so adding someone like Pickens at least gets the Panthers in the postseason conversations. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are two promising wideouts, but they’re unproven to show they can be consistent in one full season. Pickens would be their new WR1 and let the Panthers have a chance to turn Young into elite.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have yet to boost their wide receiver corps since drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. in last year’s draft. If they want to contend this year, they should find a way to trade for Pickens. Quarterback Kyler Murray will finally have a complete offense with James Connor, Trey McBride and Harrison Jr., along with Pickens if this trade happens.
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