By trading for DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally found the star receiver they’ve long coveted to pair with George Pickens.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, Metcalf’s acquisition may have come too late to make the desired impact.
With Pittsburgh utterly bereft of talent under center, it’s hardly going to matter who lines up out wide.
After opting against selecting a signal-caller during the first two days of the draft—including passing on Shedeur Sanders, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s No. 2-ranked QB, several times—Pittsburgh is left with veterans Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson competing with sixth-round rookie Will Howard to run the offense.
Even if Aaron Rodgers decides to continue his NFL career for another season by signing with the Steelers, it’s unlikely this team will be a real threat in 2025.
Rather than committing more resources to an ill-fated attempt to contend, Pittsburgh should work to stockpile more assets for the future.
With Pickens entering the final year of his rookie deal and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noting that the wideout already considered requesting a trade after watching Metcalf sign a massive extension upon his rival, the Steelers can part ways with the talented but inconsistent pass-catcher a year early and be more prepared for a loaded 2026 draft class.
The Dallas Cowboys are an ideal team to swing a blockbuster trade with. They seem desperate for an upgrade in the receivers room after failing to come away with a rookie wideout in the draft.
The depth behind CeeDee Lamb leaves much to be desired, with Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo the projected Nos. 2 and 3 receivers, respectively, at this juncture.
If Dallas is going to return to the playoffs and start the Brian Schottenheimer era off by seriously contending, the team must shore up the receiving corps as soon as possible. With every marquee free agent already under contract, a deal for Pickens is the best way to accomplish this goal.
Metcalf could thrive with Dak Prescott throwing the ball to him and Lamb drawing away defensive attention. The wideout has already racked up 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns over the first 48 games of his career despite being paired with underperforming passers such as Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson over his three NFL seasons.
