The Steelers having both DK Metcalf and George Pickens isn’t a bad thing
Prior to the start of the NFL league year the Pittsburgh Steelers created shockwaves throughout the league when they sent a 2nd Round 2025 NFL Draft pick for wide receiver DK Metcalf. After the excitement of the trade wore off, some fans of the black-and-gold started to wonder what this meant for their current wide receiver room.
Does this mean the team will be trying to trade George Pickens?
How will Metcalf and Pickens co-exist within the same offense?
When Mike Tomlin met with media at the NFL league meetings in Florida, he was asked about acquiring Metcalf and what he brings to the Steelers offense.
“DK is an awesome talent, one that we’re familiar with,” Tomlin said. “We’ve seen him some. But equally, he’s an awesome guy, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know him, his relationship with the game, his approach to work.
“He’s going to be a big-time asset to us, not only in terms of the tangible things that he brings, but there’s an awesome intangible quality to him as a worker and as a man that’s equally as exciting.”
That’s a great answer, but it doesn’t truly broach the topic of how Metcalf and Pickens could possibly work together. Both have dynamic personalities, which might be putting it mildly, and will want the ball frequently. As for Tomlin, he is more focused on what Pickens and Metcalf will do to the opposing defenses they will face in the near future.
“The strength of the pack is the pack, and when you have eligibles that are schematic problems for those that defend you, it creates more opportunity for all involved, and I think that’s probably the only lens through which I’ve looked at that to this point,” Tomlin said of having a pair of big-play, 1,000-yard receivers.
“I know as a guy who grew up on the defensive side of the ball, when you’ve got multiple people schematically that you’ve got to work to minimize, it really challenges you in terms of some of the things that you do. We see similar challenges within our division, for example, and so we’re excited about putting together a group that has that type of collective presence.”
Tomlin further spoke about how Metcalf and Pickens might have a similar play style and attitudes, but it certainly doesn’t mean they are the same player. As Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee show noted, Tomlin said the similarities between the two might be more just about height.
Tomlin on similarities between DK Metcalf and George Pickens: “DK is a big man. GP is tall. There’s a difference.”
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 30, 2025
These quotes and words are nice, but they are just that — words. If on NFL Draft day a team contacts the Steelers and offers them a 2nd Round draft pick for Pickens, they would be foolish not to consider it. Even if they were offered a 3rd, it would be a tough call to not take the deal, but at the same time these two dynamic players being on the same team won’t be a bad thing in 2025.
Can Tomlin keep the attitude part of the equation in check? We shall see…
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of free agency and get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.
I suspect that Dk Metcalf and George Pickens will play nice. The fact of the matter is, though, that George Pickens is entering the last year of his contact and it’s very unlikely that the Steelers will want to tie up $50+ million on two receivers in 2026. Hence, I think that Pickens won’t get a second contact with the team. If true, then then the choice is either to allow Pickens to play out the year and get nothing back or trade him now and get a decent pick. I would take the pick, particularly when it seems like the Steelers are stockpiling for next year anyway.
Now, if Pickens were in the second or third year of his contract I would feel differently about it. If he isn’t in the Steelers’ future plans then they should probably move him.
I want the pick too, preferably 2026. I just wish a guy like cooper Kupp was available to fill the void for this season. Idk if drafting someone, unless it’s the first round, is reliable enough for 2025
George Pickens is going to get PAID on the open market. In which case, we get a nice comp pick for him.
I’m torn on if Pickens should get traded on draft day. If they risk playing out this year and the antics continue, they would not extend him and his trade value would be lowered. Then you are going into next offseason with a similar scenario to 2024 where you have 1 reliable receiver. If they trade him this season, I would prefer it to be for a 2026 draft pick, ideally a second rounder, but then you are back at square one, since ideally, you would trade him for say a 3rd rounder in 2025. I don’t think a WR room of DK, Wilson, a 3rd rounder, and ca3 is enough of an improvement. Hoping Pickens works out, but it’s one of those fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me scenarios with him getting his act together.
I think it’s a great thing. How many goota get a #1 WR comments and gee wiz we missed on another WR target articles were written last season?? They will be pros, I’m not one iota concerned – I’m excited. My question is can Arthur Smith take advantage of these weapons?
I’m good with Pickens playing out his rookie contract. If he balls out and the Steelers do not re-sign him, then he’s probably signing somewhere else for large numbers, which would give the Steelers a 3rd round comp pick in 2027 draft. They can draft a rookie WR, sign a real #2 receiver in free agency or hope that Roman Wilson develops or Calvin Austin III takes a big jump in his final year of his rookie contract.
Yeah, the comp pick thing in 2027 makes sense. Taking that into consideration, I would be ok with either trading him now or allowing things to play out.
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s it would be smarter and better to trade George Pickens he’s not a team player