When the Pittsburgh Steelers sent a second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for receiver DK Metcalf, they ensured that, on paper, they’d have one of the most explosive receiving duos in the league.
The question now is how long that will last.
Metcalf will enter the Steelers’ receiving corps as its top target, usurping receiver George Pickens and his knack for generating highlights. There’s a significant role for Pickens in this offense, albeit complicated by a redundant skill set joining the group, but in a contract year, Pickens’ long-term standing is in limbo.
Pittsburgh has yet to extend its homegrown star. With Metcalf off the building, that possibility may be dwindling. There’s reason to believe Pickens might not be in Western Pennsylvania in 2026. The upcoming season felt more secure until Pickens took to Instagram.
Steelers fans noticed that Pickens unfollowed the team on Instagram in the days before the NFL Draft, as pointed out by Jordan Schultz.
Needless to say, this isn’t necessarily indicative of a major move. The best version of the Steelers likely has Pickens on it, and there are several unimportant reasons why the receiver may feel the need to unfollow them on social media.
Yet, it still caught steam, and it’s another needless headline for a receiver who has found plenty of them. From unnecessary penalties to showing up late to the team’s Christmas game, Pickens’ maturity has been a point of consternation for the Pittsburgh faithful.
Some are willing to deal with it, like they had with stars of the Steelers past in Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Others deem him expendable, like Diontae Johnson. Less than a year after Pittsburgh traded him, he was waived by multiple teams and all but written off by everyone else.
If there’s a reason for Pickens to be frustrated, it’s that the reputation of a No. 2 receiver could stand to dampen his market, like it did with Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. However, the impact of having a second threat to take attention away from him could free the volatile receiver up more than recent seasons.
Metcalf will be the best receiver Pickens has played with in Pittsburgh – if he makes it to Week 1.
It’s unlikely, but in the pursuit of a quarterback or additional capital, Pickens could find himself on a new team by the end of the festivities. For both sides, though, it makes more sense to focus on 2025 and producing the most potent passing offense the Steelers’ talent can provide.
