The Denver Broncos have made significant progress in addressing the concerns head coach Sean Payton outlined before the offseason began. However, there is still work to be done, and one possible move could involve trading for a player like Him.
Pickens, 24, was selected 52nd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
With the Steelers acquiring D.K. Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and signing him to a $30 million-per-year extension, Pickens’ future in Pittsburgh is uncertain.
“Denver has been notably quiet in adding offensive weapons—a move many expected to be a priority this offseason—with Evan Engram being their most significant signing,” Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron noted on March 20. “This could indicate that the front office is looking beyond free agency, possibly through the draft or a trade.
“Enter: George Pickens.”
A trade proposal from Heavy Sports suggests the Broncos could land Pickens at a price speculated by Paul Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.
Trade Proposal:
Broncos receive: George Pickens
Steelers receive: 2025 third-round pick (No. 85 overall)
In 2024, Pickens recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns for the Steelers. The 6-foot-3 receiver has consistently surpassed 50 catches, 800 yards, and three touchdowns each season since entering the league.
Pittsburgh could push for Denver’s second-round pick (No. 51 overall), which might be more feasible if the Broncos trade down from their current No. 20 selection in the first round of the draft.
Courtland Sutton’s Contract Situation Looms Large Over Broncos Amid George Pickens Trade Idea
Cameron highlights Metcalf’s addition and extension—along with a potential new contract for T.J. Watt—as key factors that increase the likelihood of Pickens being traded.
Interestingly, if the Broncos were to acquire Pickens, they would be placing him in a similar situation alongside one of their own veteran receivers, Courtland Sutton. Cameron notes that Sutton, who will turn 30 in October, is also on an expiring contract.
“Denver could look to get younger with Pickens,” Cameron wrote.
He also pointed out that Pickens and Sutton have comparable playing styles, both ranking above the 78th percentile in average depth of target over the past three seasons. However, a key difference is their effectiveness against single coverage—Pickens ranks in the 74th percentile, whereas Sutton sits at the 47th percentile.
At the NFL Combine in February, head coach Sean Payton addressed Sutton’s future, stating, “Those discussions will take place [between Broncos general manager George Paton and] Courtland’s representatives. We felt like he had a real good season. He’s important to what we’re doing. So all of that will happen in time, and I don’t think now’s the time.”
Paton echoed Payton’s sentiments, reaffirming Sutton’s value to the team.
“Courtland’s one of our guys. Team captain,” Paton said. “I’ve said this for a couple years in a row: We want him here. We’ll have those discussions at the right time. We’ll meet with his agent here like we always do with all the agents.”
Despite Denver’s clear need for offensive weapons, these factors suggest that a trade for a veteran wide receiver—such as Pickens—may not be as likely as it seems.
Sean Payton Believes in Broncos’ Young WRs
Payton’s remarks about Denver’s current group of receivers have provided insight into the team’s strategy at the position this offseason.
“I think a veteran wide receiver fits in a ‘need,’” Payton told Kay Adams on Up & Adams in February. “I would say we’re stronger there than some would think. Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin. There’s a number of receivers that we drafted a year ago [Marvin Mims].”
Despite Pickens’ youth aligning with Denver’s current roster-building approach, making a significant investment to acquire him could contradict the Broncos’ overall strategy as they work toward returning to contention.
Be the first to comment