When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers and wide receiver George Pickens, trade speculation has been swirling all offseason long.
The idea that the Steelers don't trust Pickens with a contract extension because of his attitude as he enters the final year of his rookie contract has been the biggest reason why people suspect the team could deal its former second-round pick.
The trade for DK Metcalf also fueled speculation, with the idea that Metcalf may be the replacement as the No. 1 target in Pittsburgh, making Pickens expendable. But that notion is a bit far-fetched considering the Steelers needed an upgrade next to Pickens and not a replacement.
With the NFL draft upon us, Pickens did something on social media on Wednesday that may indicate he isn't long for Pittsburgh. The Georgia product unfollowed the Steelers on social media, which is sometimes a sign that something is afoot.
That action came following a report from FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, who said that the Steelers have "taken and made calls" involving Pickens.
"George Pickens is one intriguing trade name to watch," Schultz wrote. "Pittsburgh has taken and made calls on the talented WR, who's now extension-eligible. After paying Metcalf, league sources are skeptical the Steelers will pay two receivers."
With all of this going on, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon listed possible landing spots for Pickens if he's traded, and surprisingly Gagnon listed the Cleveland Browns as one of them. Here's the package Gagnon suggests.
- Steelers get: WR Cedric Tillman, 2025 third-round pick
- Browns get: WR George Pickens
"If the Steelers would be willing to deal Pickens within the division, they would need at least the Browns' high-third-round pick and probably still-somewhat-promising 2023 third-round pick Cedric Tillman," Gagnon wrote.
This would be an absolute home-run trade for the Steelers. Not only do they net an extra third-round pick in this year's draft, they'd also get a Pickens replacement in Tillman, who showed plenty of promise in 2024 before succumbing to injury.
However, we tend to believe the Browns might not make this deal. After all, they'd be giving up a cheap, promising young wideout and a Day 2 pick for a player who is in the final year of his deal and won't be guaranteed to stick around. Not to mention, the same fears about Pickens' behavior still apply.
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