Steelers Offer Trade That Gives GM Beane Pause, Excites Bills Fans

Pittsburgh, PA – March 27, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have tossed a trade proposal onto GM Brandon Beane’s desk that’s got Bills Mafia buzzing, offering wide receiver George Pickens and a 2026 fourth-round pick for running back James Cook, sources told ESPN Thursday. With Cook’s rookie deal ($5.7 million cap hit) nearing its end and his $15 million annual extension demand unmet, Steelers GM Omar Khan dangled Pickens—locked in at $2.26 million for 2025—as a tempting swap to bolster Buffalo’s passing game. Facing a $3.9 million cap crunch per Spotrac, Beane’s mulling a deal that could reshape the Bills’ offense, trading a proven RB for a WR with star potential. “It’s a tough call,” a team insider said. “Beane’s weighing Cook’s value against Pickens’ upside.”

Pickens lit up 2024 with 59 catches, 900 yards, and 3 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, leading the NFL in yards per catch (16.3) among players with 150+ receptions, per Steelers.com. The 23-year-old’s breakout season showcased his deep-threat ability, while Cook dominated as Buffalo’s RB1—1.009 rushing yards, an NFL-best 16 TDs, and 258 receiving yards with 2 TDs on 32 catches in 15 games, per NFL.com. Both in their final contract year, Pickens offers youth and flash (4.47 40-yard dash), while Cook’s dual-threat prowess (4.5 yards/carry) fueled Buffalo’s AFC East title. Their stats scream impact, but their roles couldn’t be more different.

For Buffalo, swapping Cook for Pickens could ignite a passing attack—14th in yards per game (226.4) in 2024, per ESPN—that’s missed Stefon Diggs’ spark since his 2024 trade. Pairing Pickens with Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman might give Josh Allen the WR1 he’s lacked, thrilling fans on X: “Pickens for Cook? Beane, do it—Allen’s gonna feast!” But losing Cook leaves a gaping hole at RB, with only Ty Johnson as a stopgap—a risk that could stall their run game. For Pittsburgh, Cook upgrades a backfield limping without Najee Harris (UFA 2025), boosting their playoff push with QB Justin Fields. As Beane ponders, this trade could swing the AFC balance—or backfire spectacularly.