As speculation around a potential trade for star wide receiver Davante Adams continues to mount, a new trade scenario has caught attention: a swap between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers involving Adams and George Pickens.
In recent days, rumors have swirled about the Raiders’ efforts to find the right trade partner for Adams, with some outsiders pointing to the Steelers as a prime candidate.
Sure, the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are currently viewed as the most likely destination for Adams, however, the Steelers are thought to be right in the thick of things.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, some “outside observers” have suggested that Pittsburgh could trade the frustrating Pickens in exchange for Adams.
“Davante Adams might prefer to play with Aaron Rodgers on the Jets or Derek Carr on the Saints, but I’m still watching the Steelers as a potential landing spot,” Graziano wrote.
“They were very active in the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes when that was going on this summer, and my understanding is they plan to continue to be aggressive in pursuing wide receiver help.
“Their top receiver is George Pickens, whose reduced snap count in Sunday night’s loss is an indication he doesn’t have the full trust of the coaching staff, and they’re ultra-thin behind him.
“Adams would immediately slot in as their No. 1 wide receiver, and they’ll do what they can to find out if they can get him.
“A couple of people – not people connected with the Steelers, just outside observers – suggested the idea of a Pickens-for-Adams trade, and you have to admit it’s interesting.”
Graziano made sure to point out the financial hurdles that Pittsburgh would have to jump through if they were to pull off the blockbuster trade.
“Another point to make here is the Steelers don’t currently have the cap space to acquire Adams, though they would if this drags on a couple of more weeks or if they could get the Raiders to pay some of the salary,” he added.
Graziano’s sources appear to be speculating, with no real connection to the current thinking inside the Raiders or Steelers front offices.
However, Pickens’ limited usage in a recent game against the Dallas Cowboys has fueled further intrigue. The wide receiver was on the field for only 34 of 58 possible snaps, an unusual situation for a player of his caliber.
Also, it’s no secret that head coach Mike Tomlin has grown increasingly frustrated with Pickens and his lack-of-effort at times. (Plus, the whole “open f*cking always” eye-black doesn’t help his diva perception.)
So far in the 2024 season, Pickens has caught 23 passes for 310 yards, but he has yet to score a touchdown.
His standout performance came in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he racked up over 100 receiving yards. However, his recent 26-yard output against the Cowboys marked the second time this season he has been held under 50 yards, adding to the speculation surrounding his future.
On the other hand, Davante Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, has not had a spectacular start to the season by his standards, with 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown.
Yet, his talent remains undisputed, and he would be a significant boost to any offense. For a Steelers team that has been searching for a spark, Adams could be just the playmaker they need to ignite their Super Bowl ambitions.
From the Raiders’ perspective, trading for Pickens could be appealing given his lower salary and long-term potential. Pickens isn’t set to become a free agent until 2026.
By acquiring him, Las Vegas would have an immediate replacement for Adams without needing to wait for draft picks to develop.
If Pittsburgh were to pull the trigger on this blockbuster trade, it would send a strong message about their commitment to making a deep playoff run this season.
Having said that, there are many who believe that the Steelers wouldn’t even have to include Pickens in a deal for Adams. Perhaps the two will end up becoming teammates rather than be swapped for each other.
While the Steelers’ quarterback situation has been inconsistent and leaves plenty of answered questions, adding Adams to the mix could provide a much-needed offensive boost.
What are your thoughts on Pittsburgh’s rumored interest in a Pickens (and more) swap for Adams???