George Pickens among wide receivers Dianna Russini keeps an eye on the deadline ahead of the deadline

While the Pittsburgh Steelers seem more interested in expanding their receiver room than shrinking it, Dianna Russini of The Athletic listed George Pickens as a receiver she is “keeping an eye on” for a possible trade. Apparently, Russini believes Pickens could be an option for the Kansas City Chiefs, who were without WR Hollywood Brown this season and WR Rashee Rice for an extended period of time.

Russini mentioned Pickens in passing to the Chiefs on the Oct. 1 episode of their Scoop City podcast, mentioning that he would fit well in Kansas City's offense.

“I like the idea of ​​going under the rug because you’re right. I don't think this name is currently being bandied about as something self-evident. But when you think about how he could fit into the Chiefs offense, it makes a lot of sense,” Russini told co-host Chase Daniel about Pickens.

The Steelers are currently 3-1 and with Russini also reporting that the team wants to make an “aggressive” offer for Davante Adams, moving Pickens makes little sense. If it did happen, it would likely be very close to the trade deadline and only if the Steelers were to add additional help at wide receiver, and the only reason would be the fact that Pickens is likely looking for a big contract at the end of the season.

But there were no further rumors about the Steelers wanting to sign Pickens, and the team was unwilling to include him in a deal for Brandon Aiyuk this offseason. Russini placed him on a list along with Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns, DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans, Christian Kirk of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. These names have been mentioned to some extent in trade rumors dating back to the offseason, so having Pickens doesn't really seem to make sense, but Russini included him.

If the Steelers continue to play good football and win games, they won't trade away their top receiver. As previously mentioned, the only scenario in which this possibility exists is if the Steelers significantly expand their wide receiver room and decide to get value for Pickens now before he seeks a new contract.

Ultimately, Pickens being traded isn't something to expect this season, but Russini has now put it in the universe.