Steelers Receive Sharp Criticism Following George Pickens Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major offseason trade to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Following that move, they were expected to have one of the most lethal wide receiver duos in the NFL with Metcalf and George Pickens.

However, the Steelers clearly had other plans.

Following the 2025 NFL draft, Pittsburgh has made the decision to trade Pickens. A move was pulled off with the Dallas Cowboys to ship Pickens out of town in exchange for 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection. Along with Pickens, the Steelers also sent a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Over the last few months, the trade rumors surrounding Pickens have been constant. Clearly, the franchise was simply done working with the 24-year-old wide receiver and trying to get the most out of him.

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While Pittsburgh seems to be content making the move, one NFL analyst did not give them a good review.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk shared some sharp criticism for the Steelers following the Pickens trade.

"At his best last year, it was Russell Wilson uncorking the deep ball without regard to whether or not George Pickens was covered," Florio said. "And George Pickens goes to get it. You need to have that faith in him, and you need to show the commitment to his skills. I think that was one of the problems in Pittsburgh. He's highly talented, but I never felt like the Steelers fully embraced and cultivated the talents that he had."

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Pickens played in 14 games last season for Pittsburgh. He caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns. In his 48 total games with the Steelers, he racked up 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Originally drafted with the No. 52 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, Pickens has always possessed superstar potential. There have been some character concerns with him, but with the right coaching and development he could become something special in the NFL.

Now, the Cowboys will look to get that talent out of him. If he does develop into being the star wideout he's capable of becoming, Pittsburgh might very well look back and regret making this move.

Only time will tell, but Florio is clearly not a fan of the decision the Steelers have made.

For more on the Steelers, head to Newsweek Sports.