
For years, the Pittsburgh Steelers lacked a true vertical threat and an elite WR1.
George Pickens seemed to have the talent to be that guy, but the Steelers' outdated offensive system and play-calling, the lack of talent at quarterback and his apparent character issues often stood in the way. Given all the experience Mike Tomlin had with big-ego players, it made sense to see him give up on Pickens and replace him with DK Metcalf.
However, after watching Pickens thrive and finally break out with the Dallas Cowboys, Steelers fans may not feel great about this trade anymore.
As pointed out by Bleacher Report, Pickens is now up to 1,142 receiving yards for the season. That's more than the 1,082 yards the Steelers' wide receivers have accumulated so far.
George Pickens currently has MORE REC YDS than the Steelers WRs have COMBINED
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 28, 2025
Pickens: 1,142 YDS
Steelers WRs: 1,082 YDS
Can't believe he was traded for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick ♂️ pic.twitter.com/LQc7fao42o
Despite having Aaron Rodgers behind center, Metcalf has only logged 573 receiving yards this season. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is second on the team with 298.
Pickens also has nearly as many touchdown receptions (8) as the entire Steelers' wide receivers corps (10).
The Cowboys only had to give up a third and a fifth-round pick to get a former second-round selection who had shown flashes of untapped potential on a team that didn't always know how to put its wide receivers in a position to succeed. Now, with an extension, he can become a pivotal part of their team and be 50% of one of the deadliest tandems in the game.
The Steelers, on the other hand, might be back in the market for a quarterback to throw the ball to Metcalf, who also happens to be three years older than Pickens.
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