The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL world earlier this month when they traded a second and seventh-round pick for Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. They also extended the veteran pass catcher on a deal worth up to $150 million.
These sequential moves may have hinted that the Steelers feel like current wideout George Pickens is expendable because he and Metcalf are similar players and they gave loads of money to one but not the other. Pickens poured fuel in the fire on Tuesday when he posted a picture with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady on his Instagram story, which led many to believe that he may want a change of scenery in Las Vegas.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Several Raiders fans latched onto this news in hopes that it meant the team could acquire the star wide receiver. Not only does Las Vegas need a true No. 1 wideout, but they also have the money to make a splash and Pickens played with star tight end Brock Bowers at the University of Georgia.
While a mere post on his social media does not necessarily indicate that Pickens is unhappy in Pittsburgh, trade rumors have been swirling around him since Metcalf was acquired, and this post certainly does not put those notions to rest. Pickens' big play ability would be a welcome addition to Chip Kelly's offense and would blend well with new quarterback Geno Smith's play style.
Nothing is imminent for Pickens and the Raiders, but he is a name to keep an eye on. Las Vegas has to make another big splash at some point this offseason, so why not acquire a highly productive player at a position of need?
