Potential replacements for George Pickens

By: Jake Rajala

It’s official: George Pickens will be a Dallas Cowboys. Pickens will join 2024 second-team All-Pro wide receiver Cedee Lamb. These two should be a Top-10 WR duo in 2025. With that said, the Steelers have a hole at WR and need to link a quality wideout across from DK Metcalf. Hence, I’m going to untwine replacements for Pickens.

Keenan Allen

Make no mistake: Keenan Allen is the top WR on the market. Allen only had 744 yards and several touchdowns last season, but he had a career season in 2023, where he unleashed 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. I will give him somewhat of a pass for not having over 1k receiving yards last season, as he was playing with a rookie quarterback. He was named Comeback Player of The Year once already. Perhaps he can win it a second time.

Deonte Harty

Deonte Harty isn’t only a top-end return specialist, but he can excel anywhere. Jet sweeps, screens, and even deep throws can unlock Harty. He had 570 receiving yards in his third NFL season, but teams have failed at utilizing him in their offense. He can be a late bloomers, similar to Cordarelle Patterson. The WR2 role may be too much for him, but he can be a WR3 or gadget player. He is also 27 years old, so he has many seasons left in him.

Gabe Davis

I’m not ready to pull the plug on Gabe Davis quite yet. After all, he is only 26 years old! Davis was phased out of the Jags offense last season. However, he managed to unveil a modest 764 yards in 2023 and 836 yards in the season before that! He would be a fine slot weapon next Metcalf, who can shine on the perimeter.

Tyler Boyd

Tyler Boyd was once the best WR3 in the league. He still has some gas left in the tank at 28 years old. He was in a dreadful Tennesee Titans offense last season, so I will give him a pass. He had six straight seasons of at least 660 yards between 2018 and 2023.

Amari Cooper

I believe it’s somewhat unrealistic that Amari Cooper wants to be a WR2 with Mason Rudolph at QB1. Nonetheless, money can talk. Perhaps the Steelers also sign Aaron Rodgers and Cooper is then appealed to their Super Bowl chances.