This mock NFL draft trade scenario is really a nightmare for the Steelers' future.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the air is thick with speculation, rumors, and mock draft mayhem — a time of year when NFL franchises sometimes make panic-fueled decisions. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the pressure to secure a franchise quarterback is mounting, and so is the temptation to shake things up.
One fact must remain clear: trading wide receiver George Pickens would be a colossal mistake.
With rumors swirling earlier this offseason about teams inquiring about Pickens’ availability, it wouldn’t be shocking if more calls come in leading up to the draft. Pittsburgh is under pressure to jump ahead of the New Orleans Saints, who are also eyeing quarterback talent.
That pressure and the Steelers’ quarterback uncertainty create a dangerous environment for hasty decisions. But this is my message to the front office — pause and consider.
The Steelers have already made a splash this offseason by preparing to extend D.K. Metcalf to a four-year, $132 million contract. Pairing Metcalf with Pickens could create one of the league’s most explosive wide-receiver duos. Trading away Pickens now would be the equivalent of taking one step forward and two massive steps back.
Trading George Pickens is would be a catastrophic move for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickens has done nothing but exceed expectations. He’s hauled 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns while working with a carousel of quarterbacks and inconsistent offensive schemes. His route-running, body control, and toughness have made him a go-to option and a young leader in the locker room.
Pickens is more than just a promising talent — he’s a proven asset in a league where reliable wide receivers are becoming increasingly valuable. With Metcalf expected to draw double teams, Pickens’ presence on the opposite side of the field would only amplify his impact and create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Trading him now would be a disservice to the offensive identity Pittsburgh is trying to build. The answer to the Steelers’ quarterback problems isn’t mortgaging proven pieces; it’s building a strong supporting cast around whoever becomes the next face of the franchise.
The Steelers must resist the urge to make a flashy, reactionary move. Instead, they must develop a comprehensive draft plan that keeps their core intact. George Pickens is part of that core. He’s a game-changer, a competitor, and a player Pittsburgh cannot afford to lose.
