PITTSBURGH -- By sending George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week, the Steelers guaranteed that yet another wide receiver drafted by the team won't see a second contract in Pittsburgh.
Of 16 extension-eligible wide receivers drafted by the team since 2007, three have received second contracts. Five played out their four-year deals and departed in free agency. Two were traded during their rookie deals. Four were cut before finishing those deals and one was signed off the Steelers' practice squad to another team's active roster.
Though the organization has a reputation of successfully drafting and developing its wide receivers, the Steelers' recent history reflects the leaguewide challenges that come with evaluating the position and cultivating homegrown talent.