This report came on last week’s episode of NFL Live. According to Fowler, Pickens “flirted” with the idea of requesting a trade from the Steel City, but he “loves Mike Tomlin” and “wants to be a part of things.” Pickens and D.K. Metcalf stand to be a formidable downfield unit for the Steelers in 2025, although it’s worth pointing out the current trio of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie sixth-rounder Will Howard are anything but formidable quarterback options. Whether or not the feeling is mutual between Pickens and the Steelers is anybody’s guess, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the two sides did eventually split even if they make it through the 2025 season.

“But with the draft in the rearview,” Russini said, “expect the trade buzz to cool surrounding Pickens.” The disgruntled wideout will likely stay on the Steelers roster alongside new WR1 DK Metcalf. The Cowboys’ interest in Pickens could indicate that they’d like to bolster the team’s wideout room behind CeeDee Lamb in the coming weeks or months. Pickens, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has led the Steelers in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and TD receptions since entering the NFL in 2022.

The Steelers currently do not have a pick in tonight’s second round. That was dealt back in March when they acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seahawks. A potential deal to move Pickens shouldn’t come as a surprise, although the possibility was shut down earlier this week when trade rumors surfaced. “No,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said on Tuesday when asked about a possible trade involving the four-year veteran. “We’re glad we have George and DK (Metcalf) here. I think they’re gonna be exciting for everyone to watch.” Pickens, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has led the Steelers in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and TD receptions since entering the NFL in 2022.

“I think they’re going to be exciting for everyone to watch,” Khan added. Pickens may yet execute a hold in entering the final year of his rookie contract, as has been rumored by team beat writers for a few months. But this does throw some cold water on the idea that they’d move Pickens to get back into the second or third round of the draft on Friday.