The Denver Broncos are a team to keep a close eye on as the 2025 NFL Draft continues to draw closer. Sean Payton and company are a piece or two away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. One potential need could be a wide receiver and the Pittsburgh Steelers might just be a trade partner to watch.
To start the NFL offseason, the Steelers made a splash, addressing a glaring need at wide receiver by acquiring DK Metcalf. The move signaled an aggressive approach to improving their passing attack, but it may not be enough to cure all of the team’s ailments.
A persistent lack of stability at the quarterback position remains a significant hurdle as the offseason progresses.
Beyond the quarterback question mark, the Steelers face another challenge: the striking similarity between Metcalf and fellow wideout George Pickens. Both players boast comparable builds and playstyles, excelling as downfield threats who dominate at the catch point.
This overlap has sparked speculation about Pickens’ future with the team, especially following Metcalf’s arrival. With the former Seattle Seahawks star now in the fold, trade rumors surrounding Pickens have begun to swirl.
Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron recently weighed in, pinpointing the Denver Broncos as a potential trade partner for Pittsburgh.
“Enter: George Pickens. The Steelers acquired DK Metcalf via trade and subsequently extended the former Seattle Seahawks receiver with a massive deal worth over $30 million annually. Given the unlikelihood of Pittsburgh allocating even more money at the position – with looming extension talks for T.J. Watt on the horizon – the probability of a Pickens trade is high,” Cameron wrote. “Metcalf and Pickens largely share similar skill sets as downfield threats that can win at the catch point, and with the latter’s contract set to expire after this season, teams will be interested.”
Cameron went on to explain why Denver might be an ideal landing spot for the 24-year-old receiver.
“With Courtland Sutton’s contract set to expire after this season and the longtime Bronco set to turn 30 years old this season, Denver could look to get younger with Pickens. Like Metcalf, Pickens and Sutton share a similar profile, as both ranked above the 78th percentile in average depth of target over the last three seasons. The biggest difference comes in their ability to win against single coverage, where Pickens has charted in the 74th percentile over that same span, while Sutton lands in the 47th percentile.”
The Steelers’ decision to lock up Metcalf with a staggering $150 million extension has only increased the speculation surrounding Pickens, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. With significant financial commitments already on the books and a potential T.J. Watt extension looming, it seems unlikely that Pittsburgh will pour additional resources into another receiver contract this offseason.
Still, any move involving Pickens may hinge on the team’s ability to stabilize its quarterback situation. Insiders believe the Steelers will prioritize finding a signal-caller before considering further roster shakeups.
Once that piece falls into place, which could involve the signing of Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh could pivot to another bold offensive move—potentially parting ways with a rising star in Pickens.
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