Despite earlier reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers could still trade $94 million wide receiver George Pickens this offseason. According to one report, Steelers general manager Omar Khan has no interest in trading Pickens but could either way at the right price. Many rumors keep linking Pickens’ name suggesting the Steelers could trade the star and it might be something that’s not off the cards. Last season, Pickens lacked effort in certain plays especially in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product has had his fair share of issues with the organization. Pickens’ lack of effort was not only from last year but evidently shown in 2023 when head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t happy. The wide receiver was supposed to be a crucial piece for quarterback Russell Wilson in their regular season-finale but he winded up only catching one pass for zero yards. Pickens is their only dependable wide receiver despite trading for Mike Williams last year so it seems odd he’s performing this way.
According to new reports, the Steelers are looking into Brandon Aiyuk once again and that should be writing on the wall for Pickens. This isn’t to say the Steelers will trade him anytime soon but he’s gearing up for his fourth offseason. Nothing has been changing and if it continues to go that route, it might be best for the team to part ways with the wideout by trading him.
Breaking: Steelers Projected to Trade $94 Million Star George Pickens
Top Three Suitors Emerge
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need a wide receiver in the worst possible way. Quarterback Justin Herbert isn’t getting any younger and they need to take advantage of his prime years window. The Chargers are closer to the Super Bowl than anyone thinks. However, it’s on head coach Jim Harbaugh to make that happen as he can’t heavily depend on the run game as much as that’s his philosophy.
Second-year Ladd McConkey is the only reliable set of hands that Herbert has. Quentin Johnston is only getting worse and Joshua Palmer is a free agent. Despite that, Herbert still found a way to get the Chargers back in the postseason but they’re one more reliable pass catcher away from the AFC Championship Game. Pickens might have had his troubles but with a new scenery change, he could change his attitude positively in LA.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints don’t have the financial liberty to sign a pricey free agent. However, head coach Kellen Moore is taking over the organization and he will likely find the best receiver that fits their scheme. As of this posting, Chris Olave is their reliable man but he’s entering his final season in his contract and could request a trade since quarterback Derek Carr is returning for what could be his final year in New Orleans.
Pickens would immediately become their new wideout and even if it’s not long-term, the Saints would be in a better place to get some life in the passing attack. Rashid Shaheed is another solid option but he doesn’t have the experience to get the Saints back in the postseason. The Saints could find a way to trade for Pickens as long as they send at least two first-round picks.
Kansas City Chiefs
As for the Chiefs, the team needs a veteran wideout if they lose DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown. The roster already has Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice on lock but they still need the experience in their pass-catching department to keep them championship-worthy. The Steelers probably won’t trade Pickens to Kansas City but at the right investment in return, anything is possible.
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