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NFL analyst uses facts to prove the Steelers have the most toxic WR duo in the NFL after pairing DK Metcalf with George Pickens

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 5:30 AM ET

Ever since the Steelers acquired George Pickens, many have concluded that the clock has started ticking on George Pickens' future.

It goes against what Omar Khan stated about Pickens' future at the Combine and certainly against the rhetoric of them wanting to add, not subtract from their WR corps.

But according to one NFL analyst, keeping both is bad business for Pittsburgh.

Steelers doomed with both Metcalf and Pickens?

“Unless the Steelers trade George Pickens for some sort of return, maybe like a third-rounder or something, I think this is crazy," said PFF analyst Trevor Sikkema. "I think this is bad business by the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re getting a good receiver, but you traded a near-top-50 pick for a wide receiver who has the same skillset as a receiver that you already have, who is younger and currently on a rookie deal...

"...And you also traded for the receiver who, by far, leads the NFL in penalties for the position since he came into the league in 2019. He has more than double the accepted penalties against him that the second-place guy has. By the way, the second-place guy is George Pickens.”

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There is no doubt that placing Pickens across the field from Metcalf, two players who run hot, wear their emotions on their sleeve, and rack up penalty yards like Jeff Bezos does coin, are going to give the Steelers a lot of headaches.

George Pickens already does that in his own right. And while Metcalf is certainly more professional in his daily approach, when that whistle blows on Sundays, that WR room will be very toxic.

Forget the penalties, just imagine the discussions on the sideline when one of them isn't getting enough targets.

But you know how you fix that? By finding a QB who can deal with big personalities, and by winning football games.

Right now, the latter is a part of the Steelers plans, but with Aaron Rodgers mulling all his options, they may have to turn back to Russell Wilson, who at this point of his career might be incapable of either.

You now have two elite talents on the perimeter Mike Tomlin, but you better manage them delicately.