The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves navigating a complex web of strategy as the 2025 NFL Draft continues.
Without a second-round selection, the Steelers’ next pick is No. 83 overall, in the third round.
However, Pittsburgh could be active before that selection, as trade speculation around wide receiver George Pickens has intensified, according to a recent report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
“The Steelers have been receiving calls about the availability of WR George Pickens, per sources,” Russini wrote on X.
The Steelers have been receiving calls about the availability of WR George Pickens, per sources.
Pittsburgh is open to conversations as it navigates Friday night without a second-round pick (traded for DK Metcalf). pic.twitter.com/BZa9ubyd4z
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 25, 2025
The situation stems from Pittsburgh’s earlier move to send its second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks in the trade for D.K. Metcalf, a bold acquisition that transformed their receiving corps.
Now, with Pickens entering the final year of his rookie contract, the organization appears increasingly motivated to recoup some draft capital.
Behind the scenes, concerns about Pickens’ future with the Steelers continue to mount.
His unpredictable behavior reportedly has caused hesitation within the front office regarding a long-term commitment, particularly after already investing substantially in Metcalf with a new contract.
The timing suggests the Steelers might be pivoting toward a different philosophy on offense.
A pick swap arrangement that helps Pittsburgh improve its draft positioning remains another possibility. As things stand, a trade involving Pickens appears increasingly probable.
The first-round pick of defensive tackle Derrick Harmon did nothing to address its glaring quarterback needs, making its lack of a second-round pick particularly problematic.
Just months after appearing to dramatically upgrade their wide receivers with the Metcalf acquisition, the Steelers might dismantle that promising duo before they even share the field, leaving questions about their direction heading into the 2025 campaign.
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