The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the biggest moves of the offseason when they sent two picks in the 2025 NFL draft to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for wide receiver DK Metcalf and a sixth-round pick.
While Steelers fans were ecstatic about adding one of the league's best wideouts, Pittsburgh sent out another talented wide receiver on Wednesday, as they George Pickens to and a 2027 sixth-round selection to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third and a 2027 fifth.
With Pickens, who caught 174 passes for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in 48 games over three seasons, out in Pittsburgh, their wide receiver room now includes Metcalf, Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Brandon Johnson, Lance McCutcheon, Ke'Shawn Williams and Roc Taylor.
There's certainly some talent in that group, but it's definitely taken a sizable hit without Pickens in the mix.
To some, including former Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark, this is just the latest indication that the team isn't trying to win in 2025.
"It sounds like they're tanking. And I know they aren't because they've made other moves, but when you look at this roster, this roster can't compete to have a winning season," Clark said on ESPN's "Get Up" on Wednesday. "This roster can't compete to be a playoff team. This roster can't compete to be an AFC champion. And in no time that I've been associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers, have I felt that way. And it's not only about the way the roster looks like, it's the way they're moving and maneuvering around building this roster. I don't really understand what's going on."
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Obviously, the players and coaches are going to give it their all to win every game, but from the front office perspective, it's hard to say that this roster is their best work.
Wide receiver isn't even the biggest example, as Pittsburgh's quarterback room currently consists of career backup Mason Rudolph, borderline NFL backup Skylar Thompson and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard.
There's a chance that Howard could win the job and shock the league, but that's not something they should count on. And, if Aaron Rodgers doesn't call and tell the Steelers that he's coming to wear black and goal in 2025, they'll have to be hoping for the best from Howard.
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