DK Metcalf addition signals Steelers aren't going to invest in George Pickens  

Even though there's tons of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers, there's one key decision that seems very clear. From the moment the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf, George Pickens' days in Pittsburgh became numbered. 

While some insiders are saying they haven't heard anything definitive about the Steelers' plans for Pickens, their actions speak louder than any words can. Whether it happens this offseason via a trade or not, Pickens will eventually be forced to move on. 

When Pittsburgh traded a second round pick for Metcalf, a receiver known as one of the most reliable in the NFL, they also handed him a new four-year contract, worth reportedly up to $150 million. And shelling out that much money for another receiver still in his prime signals the Steelers have picked Metcalf as their future over investing in Pickens. 

Metcalf's production may have dipped a bit in 2024 compared to prior seasons, but his floor would still likely make him the top target for whoever ends up as the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh. 

Metcalf, 27, caught 66 balls for 992 yards and scored five touchdowns in 15 games last season. He also averaged 15 yards per reception. There's no guarantee he be what he was in 2020 when he had 1,303 yards on 83 receptions. But he did surpass 1,000 yards in both 2022 and 2023. He's reached 900 in every season of his career. 

Conversely, Pickens, who is younger at 24, is coming off a similar season. He recorded 900 yards off 59 catches in 14 games. Pickens' production also dropped from the 1,140 yards he put up in 2023. 

But unlike Metcalf, Pickens has been caused distractions at times. Paying Metcalf sends the message that the Steelers are tired of Pickens and would prefer to pay someone they believe will generate fewer headlines aside from his play. A bigger problem than the drama, Pickens' effort on the field has even come into question.  

The Bengals recently awarded two receivers massive contracts, but there's a debate on how wise that was. The Steelers may have the cap space now - they have about $44 million remaining. However, locking up another receiver will significantly cut into that figure with several other positions that need attention, too. 

While Metcalf would surely experience double coverage without Pickens around and the Steelers' depth has been a problem, Pittsburgh knows it can draft a receiver. From Hines Ward, to Plaxico Burress, to Antonio Brown, to Emmanuel Sanders, to JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Steelers have shown they are more than willing to recycle receivers with early round draft picks. 

Obviously, they all have had various levels of success, but it's a position that does always generate talent and allows players to produce right out of college. 

Now that Metcalf is in the fold, it just wouldn't be smart to spend that kind of money on Pickens, especially considering his inconsistency on the field and the concerns about what he brings off of it as well.