He by no means performed with him, however that didn’t cease former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden from wishing the crew he performed for from 2017-2021 had not traded large receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
On the “Up And Adams” Present Thursday, Haden said that Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers with DK Metcalf and Pickens would have been troublesome to cease.
“I want they wouldn’t have removed George Pickens as a result of if they might’ve had these two [Pickens and Metcalf] with A-Rod, yeah it will’ve been bother for everybody,” Haden informed Kay Adams, in accordance with video by way of the present’s YouTube web page.
On paper, the mix of Metcalf and Pickens would have been actually troublesome for defenses to take care of. Each are massive, bodily receivers who win downfield and dominate in contested-catch conditions.
Rodgers nonetheless throws a great deep ball, and his arm energy continues to be spectacular. He confirmed that in obligatory minicamp after signing with the Steelers in early June. However the Steelers had no intention of signing Pickens to a long-term deal, particularly after buying and selling for Metcalf and giving him a large contract extension.
Pickens grew to become expendable, and fairly than undergo the 2025 season with the Georgia product within the final 12 months of his contract and doubtlessly being extra of a headache after three years of points, the Steelers flipped him to Dallas.
The timing of the commerce was a shock, coming after the draft. The Steelers’ return for Pickens received’t have an effect till the 2026 NFL Draft, however the transfer has been seen as an addition by subtraction for the Steelers. They rid themselves of a younger participant who created distractions, from displaying up late to practices and video games to lashing out on the sidelines throughout video games.
Nonetheless, if the Steelers are aiming to compete in 2025, it will have made some sense to maintain Pickens for one 12 months. Let him attempt to have an awesome season with Rodgers on the helm, produce in a giant manner and assist the Steelers attempt to win within the playoffs — after which transfer on in free company and get the Steelers a 2027 compensatory draft decide.
As a substitute, the Steelers opted for the 2026 third-round decide from the Cowboys, giving Pittsburgh extra draft capital to attempt to discover its franchise quarterback.
The Steelers now discover themselves needing one other receiver to affix with the likes of Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, and Roman Wilson. They’re reportedly lowballing groups, not determined — but — and never prepared to overpay.
They might have averted all of it by simply retaining Pickens for his closing 12 months of his rookie deal, however they made the choice that they did. Now they’ve to regulate.
