It's been an offseason of change for the Las Vegas Raiders so far. After a disappointing 2024 season that resulted in a 4-13 record, veteran head coach Pete Carroll was lured in to be the next head coach. The Raiders then proceeded to trade for Geno Smith to be the team's next quarterback.
Smith and Carroll were in Seattle together from 2020-23, and the Raiders are hoping this continuity will help the team improve in 2025. However, adding weapons to the offense around Smith is still needed, and one writer recently suggested trading for a disgruntled wide receiver.
Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports identified the most realistic trade destinations for George Pickens if the Steelers decide to move him this offseason. DeArdo included the Raiders, who desperately need another difference-maker at the position.
Regarding Pickens' potential fit on the Raiders, DeArdo offered the following:
Pickens' recent social media post made the Raiders' inclusion on this list inevitable. But even if Pickens didn't post that picture of he and Brady, the Raiders make sense as a possible trade partner given their current receiver situation.
Las Vegas desperately needs a receiver and would likely trade as high as a second-round pick to acquire one of Pickens' stature. The Raiders, however, don't have any receivers the Steelers would likely want sans veteran Jakobi Meyers, who recorded a career-high 1,087 receiving yards in 2024. Unless Las Vegas would be willing to deal Myers, this trade would likely revolve more around draft capital.
Pickens recently shared a cryptic post on social media that featured a picture of himself standing next to Tom Brady. That only added to the speculation that he could get dealt.
Brady recently became a minority owner with the Raiders, and the legendary quarterback is thought to be taking a more hands-on approach with the team.
Could Pickens' post have been hinting at a possible trade to Vegas?
In 2024, Pickens caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns. This was a step back from Pickens' 2023 production when the Georgia product caught 63 passes for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.
Pickens also led the NFL in yards per reception in 2023, demonstrating his ability to be an elite downfield weapon.
Unfortunately, concern has arisen over Pickens' perceived character concerns and immaturity, which might make the Steelers hesitant to extend him. This, coupled with the fact that the Steelers recently acquired D.K. Metcalf, have many wondering if the former second-round pick is in the team's plans.
The Raiders, meanwhile, boast an elite tight end in Brock Bowers and a reliable veteran receiver in Jakobi Meyers. Ramel Keyton and Tre Tucker are currently penciled in as starters at the other receiver spots, though, and that will need to change before the season begins.
Pickens could excel in Vegas, where he would not have to carry the entire load on offense. A reliable veteran quarterback like Smith and a legendary coach like Carroll could help the young receiver live up to his potential.
