Is the Steelers’ extensive receiver corps with out George Pickens now worse than final season?
Are individuals overreacting, or did the Steelers’ commerce of George Pickens set the offense again by a major diploma? Clearly, they’ve much less expertise with out one in every of their most expert gamers, however are they behind the place they had been final yr? I believe that’s, on the very least, worthy of debate.
In spite of everything, the Steelers “changed” George Pickens lengthy earlier than they traded him, having acquired DK Metcalf. Pickens might need a number of extra highlight-reel-type catches, however Metcalf has produced extra over the course of his profession. The entire thought appears to relaxation on the premise that Pickens is healthier than Metcalf—however is he? I don’t suppose that’s what their respective careers up thus far inform us.
Exterior of the swap of Pickens for Metcalf, the Steelers’ extensive receiver corps isn’t stunningly totally different from final season. They swapped out Van Jefferson for Robert Woods, who ought to have a smaller function. The hope is that second-year third-round choose Roman Wilson will probably be a minimum of a top-three receiver this yr. And there’s no purpose to suppose Calvin Austin III will take a step again this yr.
If something, the Steelers’ extensive receiver corps needs to be higher this yr if Pickens for Metcalf is a lateral transfer. Inside development from Wilson and Austin shouldn’t be dismissed, particularly the previous, who barely noticed the sphere as a rookie. And it’s not like they received a lot of something out of Jefferson, so how might Woods be a step again?
The Steelers may characteristic a passing assault that’s much less depending on the extensive receivers, as nicely. Traditionally, Arthur Smith’s offenses are likely to unfold the ball round, aside from one central focus. Metcalf might be that focus, with the remaining targets distributed among the many relaxation. That relaxation contains TEs Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington and RBs Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and Kaleb Johnson.
The truth is this could be powerful to evaluate anyway, as a result of a lot else is altering. Between the Steelers and Cowboys and George Pickens and DK Metcalf, we’re speaking a shift between 4 quarterbacks. If Pickens has extra success with Dak Prescott this yr, that doesn’t imply he wouldn’t have with Aaron Rodgers. If Metcalf has extra success with Rodgers, that doesn’t imply he wouldn’t have with Sam Darnold. There are such a lot of shifting items that any truthful comparability between this and final season could be very tough.
The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, no matter they really feel the necessity to name it, after one other disappointment final season. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.
Identical to final yr, the most important query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback question. Whereas it seems like they’re maintaining George Pickens, they produce other selections to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now behind us, so many of the roster development is full.
However we nonetheless have a protracted offseason forward for Steelers soccer, or soccer in shorts. Sure will-he-or-won’t-he conditions stay in play, which we proceed to watch. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.
