FRISCO – When the Pittsburgh Steelers sent a second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for receiver DK Metcalf, they ensured that, on paper, they’d have one of the most explosive receiving duos in the league.

Unless they were to trade George Pickens.

When the Dallas Cowboys said openly that they needed to add an “explosive No. 2 receiver” alongside CeeDee Lamb – and then did nothing in free agency or this NFL Draft to fill that need – they ensured that the void would continue.

Unless they were to trade for George Pickens. Metcalf will enter the Steelers’ receiving corps as its top target, usurping receiver George Pickens and his knack for generating highlights.

There’s a significant role for Pickens in this offense, albeit complicated by a redundant skill set joining the group, but in a contract year, Pickens’ long-term standing is in limbo.

Pittsburgh has yet to extend its homegrown star.

With Metcalf off the building, that possibility may be dwindling. There’s reason to believe Pickens might not be in Western Pennsylvania in 2026. The upcoming season felt more secure until Pickens took to Instagram.

Steelers fans noticed that Pickens unfollowed the team on Instagram in the days before the NFL Draft, as pointed out by Jordan Schultz.

Needless to say, this isn’t necessarily indicative of a major move.

The best version of the Steelers likely has Pickens on it, and there are several unimportant reasons why the receiver may feel the need to unfollow them on social media.

Yet, it still caught the attention of all, and it’s another needless headline for a receiver who has found plenty of them.

From unnecessary penalties to showing up late to the team’s Christmas game, Pickens’ maturity has been a point of consternation for the Pittsburgh faithful. Can a trade to Dallas fix all of that?

Can Dallas fix Pickens? Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said this weekend that “the train hasn’t left the station” in terms of adding receiver help. So … go for it with Keenan Allen?

Hope Nelson Agholor can actually play?

Bite the bullet and reunion with the imperfect Amari “Shrinkage” Cooper? Call the Steelers again, as we’re quite sure Dallas had been doing? ESPN is now reporting that “leading up to the draft, the Cowboys had discussions with an AFC North team regarding a veteran wide receiver, but nothing came to fruition, according to multiple sources.” Though ESPN could be referencing another “AFC North team” …

This logically follows what CowboysCountry.com has been reporting for weeks regarding a Pickens/Cowboys connection. Metcalf will be the best receiver Pickens has played with if he stays in Pittsburgh.

But Lamb will be the best receiver Pickens has played with if he moves to Dallas. Related: Could Cowboys Trade for George Pickens?