Could Steelers' DK Metcalf acquisition push George Pickens out of Pittsburgh?

It is a huge deal for the Steelers offense. It is also a fascinating deal because it now creates some uncertainty around the returning top wide receiver in Pittsburgh, George Pickens.

Is it possible that the Metcalf trade could push Pickens out of Pittsburgh in a separate trade at some point this offseason?

Pickens already seemed to be on thin ice in Pittsburgh given the way the 2024 season ended and with his frustration level within the offense. 

While the idea of Metcalf and Pickens together does sound intriguing given the big-play ability of both players, it would be a very complicated situation. 

For one, both players have similar skillsets and play a similar role offensively as big-play, downfield targets. 

They also both want the football and are not likely to settle for No. 2 wide receiver status, and it would almost certainly be Pickens settling into that No. 2 role. 

Are there enough passes to go around to keep both players happy?

Pickens is also entering the final year of his contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season. It seems doubtful the Steelers would invest big money in two wide receivers who fill a similar role. 

Would they also be willing to let Pickens play out a lame-duck season and then let him walk for nothing? Especially given that Pickens would be looking for as many passes as he can get in order to boost his free-agency value?

When all of those factors get put together, it is not hard to envision a scenario where maybe the Steelers get proactive and flip Pickens this offseason to try and recoup the pick they traded away in acquiring Metcalf. 

It would still leave them with a hole at the No. 2 wide receiver position, but they would have a clear upgrade at the No. 1 spot and a chance to still draft a wide receiver somewhere on the first two days of the draft. 

For now, they have one of the more intriguing wide receiver duos in the league. It just remains to be seen if they will actually line up together or if Pickens will get traded before they get a chance.