George Pickens landing spots: Cowboys, Raiders, Bills best fits for Steelers WR
You can pick your friends and your jersey number, but you can't pick your team.
George Pickens could be finding that out the hard way during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been receiving trade calls for the receiver, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
She added that the team is open to those conversations considering their lack of a second-round pick on Friday, courtesy of the trade for DK Metcalf.
Pickens is set to enter his fourth year in the NFL, but checks in as a young, cheaper option for whatever team that might acquire the receiver. He's coming off a 59-catch, 900 yard season in which he scored three touchdowns.
Any team would likely hope for a little more consistency and production, especially since he was targeted 103 times.
The Steelers are far from a finished product, considering they still don't seem to have their starting quarterback on the roster. That only adds to the intrigue around Pickens, considering it appeared that Pittsburgh was going all-in earlier in the offseason.
Here's a look at some of the teams that could come calling for Pickens' services.
George Pickens landing spots
Dallas Cowboys
Many expected a pass-catcher for the Cowboys in the first round of the draft, but they ended up taking Tyler Booker instead. While Dallas improved their offensive line, the need for a receiver still remains. That opens the door for a potential trade with the Steelers for the 24-year-old Pickens.
Finding someone to play opposite CeeDee Lamb is a must for the Cowboys this offseason. Trading for Pickens and securing a proven, long-term answer makes too much sense.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders kicked their draft off by selecting Ashton Jeanty to fix the running back room. It's a team that has plenty of holes to fill after speeding up their rebuild this offseason. Receiver is one of those big needs, especially after they dealt Davante Adams to the New York Jets last season.
Pickens would slide in nicely with a group that already features Jakobi Meyers, but still needs a top-end weapon to unlock the offense. A Raiders' offense that features Pickens, Meyers, Jeanty and Brock Bowers would certainly keep defensive coordinators up at night.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo dealt Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans last year, ridding their receiver room of a true WR1. Khalil Shakir stepped in nicely and made strides as Buffalo's top option, but could Pickens be what the doctor ordered for the Bills? They are still trying to get through the Kansas City Chiefs, so expect Buffalo to continue adding everywhere until they do. Unlike Diggs, Pickens would arrive as a 24-year-old, meaning him and the newly paid Josh Allen could be together for years to come.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are still working to build up their offense around Bo Nix. They were a surprise playoff team last season, but a wild-card round exit showed there is plenty of work to do. In addition to needing a running back, Denver could also benefit from bringing in another receiver.
Courtland Sutton is 29, but doesn't have a running mate. The Broncos filled that WR2 role with a committee in 2024, but Pickens represents a more consistent option that could have a long-term stay in the Mile High City.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024, but he can't do it alone. Unless they're content with continuing to miss the playoffs, the Cardinals need some reinforcements. Head Jonathan Gannon is getting them on defense, but the offense has to keep pace. A trade for the Steelers' receiver would give Arizona three legitimate pass-catching options between Pickens, Harrison and Trey McBride.