It was speculated for quite some time that the Pittsburgh Steelers were looking to move George Pickens ahead of him being sent to the Dallas Cowboys. The chatter started to get louder around the 2025 NFL when it was reported that Pickens was being shopped for a Day Two pick. Eventually, they did get a Day Two pick, but in 2026 not 2025.
James Palmer of Underdog Fantasy recently explained on his podcast with Steve Smith Sr. why the team valued a 2026 pick over one from 2025.
“The compensation that they end up getting, this 3rd round pick in 2026 and this 5th round pick in 2027 and the comp picks they are going to have in 2027,” said Palmer.