The Green Bay Packers haven’t had a true No. 1 wide receiver ever since Davante Adams left the Lambeau Field in 2022. After failing to find one through the draft, the franchise is now reportedly ready to make a big swing and trade for Pittsburgh Steelers’ mercurial wideout George Pickens.
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According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Packers have engaged in talks with the Steelers about Pickens and are “serious” in their interest. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has been open to calls about the 2022 second-round pick.
Schultz adds that Pickens is “more available than people think” and that several other teams are considering making a move.
Pickens emerged as the Steelers’ top wideout in recent seasons but there are plenty of reasons why the franchise might be keen on letting him go. The most obvious reason is that they are not ready to pay him at the top of the market after they acquired Pro Bowler DK Metcalf earlier in the offseason and signed him to a lucrative extension.
Additionally, Pickens showed flashes of great talent but has been inconsistent at times and drew criticism for his behavior on the field.
The Packers likely believe that Pickens can thrive and reach his full potential with a change of scenery. He would become a part of one of the NFL’s youngest teams and have a stable quarterback situation unlike the Steelers’ veteran-driven roster and questions surrounding the signal-caller position.
Since entering the league, Pickens caught 174 passes for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns.
