The Pittsburgh Steelers raised some eyebrows when they traded wideout George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Prior to the deal, Pickens and DK Metcalf looked like a formidable duo at the position. With Pickens gone, there’s now a massive hole in the Steelers’ depth chart.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan addressed the deal Friday, explaining how it came together and why the team felt OK dealing Pickens.
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Khan’s full comments read:
“This one happened quickly. We had some people inquire during the draft. Nothing that really made sense. The Cowboys reached out … earlier this week. They proposed something for us to think about.
“We had conversations internally. And also had some conversations with George’s agent, Dave [Mulugheta], who I have a good relationship with. We discussed where things begin with George, where they are and where things could go with George. This trade makes sense for everyone.”
That’s not a particularly spicy quote on the surface, though does provide some insight into the team’s approach. The fact that Khan spoke with Pickens’ agent could indicate contract played a role in the team’s decision to trade the wide receiver. Pickens is under contract for one more season before he hits the free-agent market. He’ll make $3.6 million in 2025.
Given Pickens’ situation, many have speculated he could be looking for a big extension before he hits the market. But following the trade to the Cowboys, reports emerged suggesting Pickens wants to play out his rookie deal, prove he’s an elite receiver and take that production to free agency.
That might account for some of the reason the Steelers traded Pickens. It’s possible the team felt this was its only opportunity to get something significant for the wide receiver, leading to the deal.
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It doesn’t explain why the team needed to make the move now. With Pickens gone, the Steelers will rely on a combination of Calvin Austin, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek and Roman Wilson behind Metcalf. That’s not the most accomplished group, though Khan doesn’t necessarily see that as a major problem. He tried to downplay the issue Friday, saying he thinks things are improved compared to last offseason, when the team was seeking a No. 2 receiver to play alongside Pickens.
Khan said the trade “makes sense for everyone,” so he doesn’t appear to be overly concerned about the state of the team’s wide receiver depth chart. That could change as the season gets closer, but Khan still has months to make another move.
Despite what Khan said, the Steelers certainly seem to be facing the same issues they had last offseason. There are major questions at quarterback and no established second receiver on the depth chart.
While trading Pickens could backfire, Khan deserves some benefit of the doubt. Despite all their issues last season, the Steelers proved everyone wrong and still made it to the postseason.
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