The Pittsburgh Steelers nearly completed a blockbuster wide receiver trade last year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in dire need of wide receiver help, and much to the chagrin of the fan base, they didn't get it at the NFL trade deadline.
The Steelers acquired D.K. Metcalf via trade with the Seattle Seahawks back in March, but then jettisoned George Pickens two months later, which put Pittsburgh back at square one.
Seeing how dominant Pickens has been with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, the Steelers probably regret moving him for a third-round pick.
But it also wasn't the first time Pickens' name was floated in trade discussions.
David Lombardi of The SF Standard has revealed that back in 2024, the Steelers discussed a trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, but the talks dissipated because the 49ers asked for Pickens in return.
At the time, Pittsburgh wasn't looking to move Pickens, but things obviously changed in Steel City the following year.
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images.Funny enough, Aiyuk is on the outs with San Francisco now even after signing a four-year, $120 million extension with the Niners heading into 2024. The two sides are expected to part ways after the season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Steelers emerge as a potential destination.
Of course, that doesn't help Pittsburgh right now.
With 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Steelers are in win-or-bust mode this year, which is all the more reason why they probably should have been more aggressive in attempting to add another playmaker at the trade deadline.
Outside of Metcalf, there is very little in Pittsburgh's receiving corps. Had the Steelers kept Pickens, they would have boasted one of the league's most dynamic wide receiver duos. Instead, they have been rolling with Calvin Austin III as their No. 2 option and recently signed Adam Thielen.
And back to Aiyuk for a second: it should be noted that had the Steelers swung the Aiyuk trade back in 2024, they almost certainly would not have landed Metcalf this past offseason due to the contract they would have had to give Aiyuk.
Not only that, but Aiyuk tore his ACL midway through 2024 anyway and hasn't played since, so it's hard to view this as a major missed opportunity for Pittsburgh.