April 15, 2025
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers have pulled off a blockbuster, trading superstar wide receiver George Pickens, their No. 21 pick, and a fifth-rounder (No. 159) to the New York Giants for the No. 3 overall pick and a sixth-rounder (No. 183), sources told Yahoo Sports Tuesday. The deal rockets Pittsburgh up the 2025 NFL Draft board, aiming to reshape their future.
Pickens, 24, was a dynamo, hauling in a projected 1,183 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024 (NFL.com). Drafted in 2022, the 6-foot-3 speedster became a fan favorite with his acrobatic catches. But with DK Metcalf signed and Calvin Austin III emerging, the Steelers saw a chance to cash in on Pickens’ $1.85 million cap hit (Over The Cap).
The trade’s a bold leap for a team stuck at 9-8 last season. “We needed a game-changer,” GM Omar Khan said. That No. 3 pick—likely targeting Miami’s Cam Ward or Michigan’s Mason Graham—addresses Pittsburgh’s dire need for a franchise quarterback or dominant defensive tackle after losing Larry Ogunjobi.
New York, reeling from a 6-11 year, pounced on Pickens to ignite their offense. With Darius Slayton gone, the Giants needed a WR1 for Drew Lock or a rookie QB. Pick 21 lets them snag an offensive lineman like LSU’s Will Campbell, while No. 159 adds depth.
Pittsburgh’s gamble hinges on hitting at No. 3. Ward could be the heir to Russell Wilson’s one-year deal, or Graham could anchor a run defense that bled 4.8 yards per carry in 2024 (ESPN). The sixth-rounder’s a throw-in, but Steelers fans are split. “Pickens for a top-3 pick? Genius!” one X post cheered. “We lost our best weapon!” another groaned.
The Giants see Pickens as a cornerstone. His 15.2 yards per catch pair perfectly with Malik Nabers, easing pressure off a shaky line. “He’s a superstar—we’re thrilled,” coach Brian Daboll said. New York’s $31 million cap space covers Pickens’ cheap deal through 2025.
Pittsburgh’s still got Metcalf and Austin, but losing Pickens stings. With $47 million in cap space, Khan’s betting on draft gold to outshine AFC North rivals. The trade’s a high-stakes pivot—will it spark a Steelers renaissance or haunt them?
