I’m glad the Steelers traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday. He was toxic, pouty, overrated and likely asking for too much money.
My only complaint is that the Steelers should’ve dealt him before the draft in order to give themselves a chance to have a better No. 2 wide receiver on the depth chart before spring workouts.
Gee, where have we heard that one before?
Some of you disagree with either or both of those opinions. So, in order to get all of your thoughts on the record, it’s an all-George Pickens trade edition of “U mad, bro?”
A guy named “Dapper Dan Feller” thinks I’m being too hard on Pickens.
He's gonna ball out, you watch.
— SoggyBottomBoy (@DapperDanFeller) May 7, 2025
He often does. That’s not the point. The point is that he was a giant pain in the backside.
Based on what happened before the Christmas Day game against the Chiefs, when do you think he’ll show up for Dallas’ annual Thanksgiving contest?
Sometime in the middle of Black Friday? What message do you think will be on his eye-black at the time?
Adam thinks that the stunt Pickens pulled on Christmas Day is irrelevant.
The guy was a few minutes late to a game. Why is this such a big deal to you? Did he get arrested on the way there? Was he going 100mph on the parkway? Did he fight someone at tequila cowboy? Congrats on getting your wish man. I hope it gives you something to talk about.
— Adam (@ThePghCheeze) May 7, 2025
A “few minutes” late? Dude, it was reportedly one hour, 25 minutes before kickoff … after the inactives were announced. He was supposed to be there at least two hours before kickoff.
Do you realize how hard you are working to be an apologist for this guy? What would’ve qualified as on time in your eyes? If he made it in time for the coin flip?
Nick thinks the return of a third-round pick next year and late pick-swap with the Cowboys in 2027 was a decent enough return to move Pickens. I disagree.
what kind of return do you think exists for a malcontent WR in a walk year?
— Nick (@NickNick134330) May 7, 2025
I dunno. Remind me again what Seattle got from the Steelers for DK Metcalf? Or is there a nuanced difference between being a “malcontent” because you want an extension, and when you make a “trade request” because “you feel like an outsider?”
I know we love to do that routine in Pittsburgh. When “Player X” complains his way out of town like Pickens, he’s a “malcontent.” When “Player Y” asks for trade from his old team like Metcalf and winds up in Pittsburgh, he’s just “misunderstood,” and “needs a fresh start.”
But, c’mon. Let’s not retroactively play that game between Metcalf and Pickens. Pickens got huffy on the sidelines when he didn’t get the ball. So did Metcalf.
Pickens got distracted and fought guys mid-play. So did Metcalf.
Pickens didn’t block for his teammates. Metcalf got into fights with them.
Those two have plenty of similarities on their resume. Not to mention, Metcalf is older. He’s likely to command more money in 2025. They put up similar numbers last year. They both dealt with injuries.
The Steelers gave up a second-round for Metcalf and signed him to a big-money extension. So, again, you tell me what the market is … and you tell me who set it.
Edgar also disagrees with my stance that the Steelers should’ve dealt Pickens before the draft, and that Omar Khan didn’t get a great return from Dallas in exchange.
They probably wanted the pick for next year https://t.co/rd3DeZbVJ4
— Edgar (White Cran Peach aficionado) (@etorres12894) May 7, 2025
It’s a 2026 third-rounder. Not a first. Spare me the “this year/next year” analysis based on stockpiling picks for the draft in ‘26 when the event is here in Pittsburgh. I get it. “This is part of the ‘26 haul to get a QB!”
But they’ll still need to use at least one of those good picks on a receiver next year. Calvin Austin is in his walk year too. They still need a No. 2 WR this year and beyond. So, I know. They want to stockpile picks, but only so many of them can be used to move up for a quarterback.
I feel like Omar Khan is doing his best Kyle Dubas impression right now.
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Alex is comfortable advancing these ideas as potential replacements for Pickens.
They never planned on resigning him next year. Might as well get compensation for him now. There are still options to go get as of free agents. Keenan Allen, Cooper , Boyd and now Gabe Davis
— Alex K (@Alexk155) May 7, 2025
Yikes. Those names look like this year’s Aiyuk, Sutton, Slayton, Kirk, etc. Are they gonna wind up with Mike Williams again?
This guy is fine with Metcalf being a No.1 by himself. He doesn’t even think finding a replacement for Pickens is all that much of a priority.
Plus WR 2 is a myth. Team made the SB w Yancy Thigpen n Ernie Mills as WRs…. Please…. They have a stud.. they'll draft another next year
— Leglock22 (@leglock2468) May 7, 2025
If it’s a myth, why did they keep chasing one last year to run alongside Pickens?
Finally, @Oldsage1958 has figured out the most important angle to the Pickens trade debate.
I'll bet that the Pirates are more than thrilled with this development. ????????
— Finally Retired (@oldsage1958) May 7, 2025
Good call, my friend. I hadn’t thought of that until I read this. Derek Shelton and Ben Cherington news dump coming in 5… 4… 3… 2…