Steelers Trade George Pickens, Eye Replacements to Bolster Receiving Corps

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially parted ways with wide receiver George Pickens, trading him to the Dallas Cowboys after three seasons. The move, announced Wednesday, signals a shift in the Steelers’ offensive strategy and necessitates a search for a reliable No. 2 receiver to complement their newly acquired star, DK Metcalf.

In exchange for the 24-year-old Pickens, the Steelers will receive a 2026 third-round draft pick and a 2027 Day 3 pick swap. While Pickens led the Steelers with 900 receiving yards in the 2024 NFL season, his name had been circulating in trade rumors throughout the 2025 offseason. The Steelers, seemingly content with their acquisition of Metcalf, decided to capitalize on Pickens’ value and address other needs.

The departure of Pickens leaves a significant void in the Steelers’ receiving corps. With Metcalf firmly established as the No. 1 option, the team lacks a proven secondary threat. Veteran Robert Woods was signed to a one-year deal, but his role is likely to be more of a complementary piece rather than a consistent contributor as a No. 2 receiver. This situation forces the Steelers to explore various options to fill the gap, including free agency and potential trades.

The Steelers’ front office is actively evaluating available talent to find the right fit for their offense. Several veteran wide receivers remain unsigned in free agency, presenting an opportunity to add experience and production at a relatively low cost. Alternatively, the Steelers could pursue a trade for a player who might be available due to salary cap constraints or a team’s specific needs.

Here’s a closer look at some of the potential targets for the Steelers as they seek to rebuild their receiving corps:

Amari Cooper: Cooper is arguably the most prominent name still on the free-agent market. A ten-year veteran and a five-time Pro Bowler, Cooper brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. While his 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns was statistically underwhelming (44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns), it’s important to note that he recorded a career-high 1,250 receiving yards in 2023.

At 30 years old, Cooper still possesses the skills and talent to be a productive receiver. A change of scenery could revitalize his career, and the opportunity to play alongside Metcalf in Pittsburgh might be exactly what he needs to regain his Pro Bowl form. Cooper’s route running ability and ability to get open would provide a valuable complement to Metcalf’s explosiveness.

Allen Lazard: The Steelers have been heavily linked to veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and acquiring Lazard, one of Rodgers’ favorite targets, could be a strategic move to entice the quarterback to Pittsburgh. Lazard, a sizable receiver at 6-5 and 227 pounds, is known for his downfield, contested-catch ability. He would provide the Steelers with a physical presence in the slot and serve as a potential replacement for Pickens in that role.

The main hurdle in acquiring Lazard is that he is currently under contract with the New York Jets. However, reports suggest that the Steelers are considering a trade for Lazard, indicating a strong interest in adding him to their roster. Lazard’s familiarity with Rodgers, combined with his size and physicality, make him an intriguing option for the Steelers.

Allen Robinson: Robinson is another experienced receiver available in free agency. He had a productive season with the Chicago Bears, recording 70 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he hasn’t yet found a new team for his age-33 season. Robinson offers the Steelers versatility, with the ability to play both in the slot and on the outside. He logged 448 snaps in the slot and 398 snaps out wide for the Bears, demonstrating his adaptability.

Robinson averaged a respectable 3 yards of separation per target last season, indicating his ability to create space for himself. His route running skills would complement Metcalf’s game, providing the Steelers with a reliable and experienced receiver who can contribute in multiple ways.

Gabe Davis: Davis was recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after a disappointing season. However, he possesses the size (6-2, 225 pounds) and speed to be a valuable downfield threat. The Steelers could take a chance on Davis, hoping he can rediscover the form he displayed with the Buffalo Bills.

During his time in Buffalo, Davis averaged 43 catches, 725 yards, and seven touchdowns per 17 games played, showcasing his potential as a productive receiver. Pairing Davis with Metcalf would create a formidable vertical threat for opposing defenses, stretching the field and opening up opportunities for the Steelers’ offense.

The Steelers’ decision to trade George Pickens represents a calculated gamble. While Pickens possessed immense talent, the Steelers believe they can address their needs at the wide receiver position through other avenues. The team is now actively exploring free agency and trade options to find the right complement to DK Metcalf and bolster their receiving corps. The choices they make in the coming weeks will significantly impact the Steelers’ offensive potential in the upcoming season. The pressure is on to find a receiver who can step in and contribute immediately, helping the Steelers compete in a highly competitive AFC North. The Steelers organization is confident they will be able to find the right fit through free agency or other trades to ensure they maintain a competitive offense.