Steelers vs Cardinals Blockbuster Proposal: Trading Superstar to Shake Up the 2025 NFL Draft

A blockbuster NFL Draft day trade proposal has the Pittsburgh Steelers moving wide receiver George Pickens to a surprise NFC team that would shake up the entire weekend in Green Bay.

The Steelers already pulled off one big-time wide receiver trade by acquiring D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks last month. Metcalf then signed a four-year extension worth $132 million, asserting him as the No. 1 receiver in Steel City over the long run.

George Pickens hasn’t publicly requested a trade, but his attitude and antics have become problematic for the Steelers. With the 2022 second-round pick heading into his contract year, this is the ideal time for GM Omar Khan to trade his No. 2 receiver.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell published his annual list where he proposes one blockbuster trade for every first-round selection in the upcoming draft. In one proposal, Barnwell has the Steelers trading Pickens and the No. 21 pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 16 and No. 115 picks and wide receiver Michael Wilson:

“Pickens is set to be a free agent next season, so this deal would lock in a meaningful return versus letting him walk. Moving up five spots and landing a fourth-rounder might not feel like much, but that amounts to the No. 72 pick in a typical draft, which seems fair for a player with Pickens’ downside and upside. The Steelers would also get two years of cost-controlled performance from Wilson, who has the size to take over in Pickens’ sideline role.

Trading for Pickens wouldn’t be an enormous risk for Arizona, which would still be in position to address its defense at No. 21. It also could recoup a compensatory pick if Pickens leaves in free agency after the season.”

An iconic Draft moment from George Pickens 😂

📺: 2025 #NFLDraft – April 24-26 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/SQHhLnndDK

— NFL (@NFL) April 1, 2025

The Cardinals finished 8-9 in 2024 with a healthy Kyler Murray, hanging around in the playoff race before a late-season meltdown. Tight end Trey McBridge had a breakout season, and promising rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. flashed his potential with 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns.

Wide receiver isn’t a pressing need, but you can never have too many weapons in today’s pass-happy NFL. And George Pickens would be a quality second or third option for Murray in the passing game.

George Pickens Had An Inconsistent 2024 Season

Pickens set career bests across the board in 2023 with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. But his up-and-down production prevented him from cementing himself as an All-Pro talent in 2024, with Pickens catching 59 passes for just 900 yards and three touchdowns.