The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly stirred the pot with their recent decision to trade wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Just a short while ago, Pickens was part of a dynamic pairing with DK Metcalf, presenting a serious threat to opposing defenses. Now, the Steelers find themselves facing a significant void in their receiving lineup.
On Friday, Steelers general manager Omar Khan addressed the move, shedding light on the factors leading to the trade. He elaborated on how it unfolded and the rationale behind the decision to let Pickens go.
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Khan shared his insights:
“This came together swiftly. There were inquiries during the draft, but nothing concrete. Then the Cowboys reached out earlier this week with a proposal for us to consider.”
“We deliberated internally and engaged with George’s agent, Dave [Mulugheta], with whom I have a solid rapport. We talked about George’s journey, his current standing, and where he could go from here. This trade appears beneficial for all parties involved.”
At first glance, Khan’s comments might not seem particularly thrilling, yet they offer a glimpse into the Steelers’ strategy. His communication with Pickens’ agent hints that contractual concerns played a part in the club’s choice to trade the young receiver. With Pickens bound to one more year before hitting free agency and a $3.6 million salary slated for 2025, the team’s decision could very well have been influenced by these financial considerations.
Rumors had begun to swirl that Pickens might be angling for a lucrative deal before entering free agency. However, in the wake of his trade to the Cowboys, whispers arose suggesting that he aims to fulfill his rookie contract, showcase his talent as an elite receiver, and position himself for a substantial payday on the open market.
This context may reveal why the Steelers opted to make this trade. It seems they believed this was a critical moment to secure meaningful value for Pickens while they still had the chance.
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But why the urgency to act now? With Pickens on his way out, the Steelers must rely on a blend of Calvin Austin, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson to complement Metcalf. This collection of talent may lack the firepower one would hope for, yet Khan appeared unfazed during his remarks, suggesting that the current lineup is actually more promising than last year’s attempts to find a reliable No. 2 receiver to supplement Pickens.
Khan expressed confidence in the move, indicating that it “makes sense for everyone,” revealing that he doesn’t seem overly worried about the state of the wide receiver group. However, with plenty of time left before the season starts, he remains open to bolstering the roster further.
Despite Khan’s optimism, the Steelers are undoubtedly grappling with familiar challenges, facing issues at quarterback and the absence of a proven second receiver on their roster.
While the decision to part ways with Pickens carries a risk, it’s worth acknowledging Khan’s track record. Last season, against the odds, the Steelers shocked skeptics and fought their way into the playoffs.
