Former GM Worries About DK Metcalf’s Reaction to George Pickens Trade
Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley is concerned about Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf's reaction to the George Pickens trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys may seem like a good thing for DK Metcalf’s number of potential looks. But former NFL general manager Doug Whaley worries Pickens’ departure could have a negative effect on Metcalf, instead.
“I’m thinking DK Metcalf. What are you thinking if you’re him,” Whaley asked on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan. “You have no one to throw the ball to. You’re gonna be the double, triple team because you have no one else that’s going to threaten them. So I’d be worried. Then he might just be a cancer in the locker room.”
Pickens is leaving a massive hole at wide receiver on the Steelers offense. Over the past three years, he has recorded 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns as the team’s undoubted No. 1 wide receiver.
However, that has caused many to question if Pickens and Metcalf could have co-existed in Pittsburgh. Metcalf disagreed with that notion, insisting he and Pickens would have thrived together.
“Football is the ultimate team game first off, so you shouldn’t be on a team if everybody doesn’t want the football,” Metcalf said. “I will say that. You know, just to come into this organization, just to know George from the little conversations that we had in passing, great player. I watched him from afar. The receivers coach calls him ‘Freak Show,’ and I think that’s a fitting name for him, you know, with the circus catches that he makes.”
The Steelers will likely add another wide receiver to their room, and there are plenty of interesting options still available. But it’s safe to assume none will demand the kind of attention Pickens would have.
Metcalf’s big payday (five-year, $150 million contract) should keep him happy for now. Pittsburgh better have a long-term plan to keep its new star wide receiver happy, though.