The Las Vegas Raiders made a splash before free agency even started by acquiring quarterback Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
Now, while the quarterback position should be upgraded, the team should shift its focus to upgrading the supporting cast. Brock Bowers is an elite, young tight end, and Jakobi Meyers is a solid veteran, but the team needs more weapons, and especially a true No. 1 wide receiver.
One player who could be a trade candidate is George Pickens, who was considered a possibility to be moved this offseason due to behavioral issues, and the trade for DK Metcalf has added to the idea that Pickens could be dealt.
ML Football proposed a trade that would send Pickens to the Raiders in return for a third and sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Raiders already gave up a third-round pick in the Smith trade, but the team has another third-round selection in this year's draft.
In this scenario, the Raiders part with some valuable draft capital but get a potentially elite wide receiver to address their need.
In 2024, Pickens caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. The wide receiver put up bigger numbers in 2023, though, ending with 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. Pickens led the NFL in yards per catch in 2023, as well.
Even while missing three games, Pickens would have been second in yards and receptions among Raiders wide receivers in 2024.
While there have been concerns about Pickens' character and attitude, landing in Vegas under a veteran head coach in Pete Carroll could work out fine. Pickens also wouldn't have all the pressure on his shoulders with Bowers and Meyers already on the roster and would be the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver, something that is no longer the case in Pittsburgh after the Metcalf trade
Bowers is a weapon out of the slot and over the middle of the field, while Pickens would give the team another reliable downfield option on the boundary.
If the Raiders are interested in landing Pickens, the receiver will need a new deal soon. Pickens is slated to enter free agency in 2026 and will be looking for a large contract, which the Raiders will have to take into account.
Currently, Spotrac projects Pickens to land a four-year deal worth $23.6 million annually. Over the Cap projects the Raiders to be among the league-leaders in cap space in 2026, so a long-term extension with Pickens shouldn't deter the team.
All that said, there is a low probability that the Steelers will actually trade Pickens, even with all of his issues. The Steelers needed a wide receiver before acquiring Metcalf, so trading Pickens would put them back in the same boat.
