Potential Trade Packages for Steelers' George Pickens Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

Per Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, "multiple teams have brought up Steelers WR George Pickens in trade discussions, and he's a name to watch this week."

Schultz added: "Pittsburgh isn't actively shopping him, but the conversations have taken place." And it all makes sense considering how much the team gave up for presumed new No. 1 target DK Metcalf earlier this offseason. 

It also tracks with ESPN's Adam Schefter report earlier this week that the 24-year-old "could be deemed expendable" in a draft-day trade. 

Let's look at teams potentially in the mix and what Pickens might cost them.

Assessing the General Cost

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Steelers general manager Omar Khan

The good news is Pickens is cheap...for now.

He's entering the final year of his rookie contract, which carries a more-than-reasonable $4.2 million salary-cap hit. Depending on your perspective, it also could be good news that nothing is promised to him beyond 2025. 

However, that also means there's a chance the Georgia product will get away after just one season with whoever were to acquire him. And at the very least, he would cost somewhere in the range of $25 million on the franchise tag. 

Pickens' value is bolstered by the fact that he has gone over 800 yards in all three of his professional seasons, despite the inconsistent Steelers offense being the sixth-lowest-scoring unit in the NFL over that time. 

On the other hand, he hasn't been able to do much to change that and it's possible we have seen his ceiling. He has also scored just 12 times in three years. 

So, there's a risk there, especially considering Pickens has displayed behavior that many would consider problematic and might not bode well for his future as a leader or veteran presence.

What Do Precedents Suggest?

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

DK Metcalf

The Steelers essentially gave up a second-round pick for the more established and possibly more skilled DK Metcalf.

Also earlier this offseason, the Commanders surrendered only a fifth-rounder for the more accomplished but also more expensive and older Deebo Samuel.

Last year, acquiring Stefon Diggs cost the Texans a second-rounder, but they also got fifth- and sixth-round picks back from Buffalo. 

That being the case, I think the Steelers would be right to expect a third-round pick in exchange for Pickens, plus an active receiver capable of contributing to a contender right away.

In a perfect world, that receiver would cost less in the long term and have a skill set that differs more greatly from Metcalf's than Pickens' does. Essentially, a lower-risk, less expensive and more complementary option to team up with Metcalf and Calvin Austin III. 

Potential Suitors and Offers

AP Photo/LM Otero

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones

Cleveland Browns

Whoever the next Browns quarterback is, he will need more than Jerry Jeudy and a bunch of unproven players. This might be a worthwhile gamble for Cleveland.

If the Steelers would be willing to deal Pickens within the division, they would need at least the Browns' high-third-round pick and probably still-somewhat-promising 2023 third-round pick Cedric Tillman.

Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones has said the Cowboys are working on "two pretty substantive trades," and there's no doubt they need someone to team up with CeeDee Lamb.

If Tetairoa McMillan isn’t that guy or they don't feel they can land him in Round 1, dealing the 76th overall selection for Pickens would make sense.

Throwing in someone like Jalen Tolbert would seem steep, but maybe he and a Day 3 pick could work. Or a third-rounder and KaVontae Turpin. 

Denver Broncos

Marvin Mims Jr. and Pickens could make up one heck of a future duo for Bo Nix, and they bring varied abilities to the table.

Remember, Courtland Sutton is nearly 30 and entering a contract year himself. Potential compensation? The No. 85 overall pick and overachieving seventh-round sophomore Devaughn Vele. 

Green Bay Packers

"Green Bay's been serious," an AFC general manager told Schultz. The Packers have plenty of depth, but it still appears they lack a true No. 1.

Pickens with Jayden Reed could be sweet, and it just might be worth the No. 87 overall pick plus wild-card vet Romeo Doubs. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Pickens, Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers could complement each other wonderfully as a trio. The No. 68 overall pick and 2023 third-rounder Tre Tucker would have a good chance at getting this done, if the Raiders don't go wideout in Round 1.

Los Angeles Chargers

Ladd McConkey and Pickens would also make sense as a duo for a Chargers team that needs more weapons for Justin Herbert.

Problem is they probably shouldn't give up Quentin Johnston, and Mike Williams is back. They would have to hope to pull this off for their third-rounder (86th overall) plus some Day 3 capital.

New York Jets

Pickens would be an option to team up with Garrett Wilson if the Jets don't grab McMillan early in the draft.

A third-round pick plus veteran Allen Lazard (who has been the subject of trade speculation following Aaron Rodgers' departure) could do the trick, especially if the veteran QB lands in Pittsburgh.