The trade buzz around Davante Adams is heating up, and the Pittsburgh Steelers might just be the ideal landing spot for the star receiver. Some NFL insiders are suggesting a trade that would send George Pickens to the Raiders in exchange for Adams, as reported by Dan Graziano of NFL Network. Now, keep in mind, this is all hypothetical—no word on whether either team has actually picked up the phone. But the idea is causing a stir.
Here’s the scoop: Pickens’ recent usage against the Cowboys has been, well, a bit odd. He played only 34 of 58 snaps, which raised a few eyebrows and sparked rumors of a potential trade. Head coach Mike Tomlin shrugged it off as just part of the game plan, but NFL circles are buzzing nonetheless. On paper, Pickens has had an up-and-down season with 23 catches for 310 yards and no touchdowns yet, despite a standout 100+ yard performance against the Colts in Week 5.
Adams, meanwhile, isn’t quite putting up his usual Pro Bowl numbers, with just 18 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown. But make no mistake, his talent and impact are undeniable. A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Adams could instantly elevate Pittsburgh’s offense. For a team hungry for a deep playoff run, pairing Adams with Kenny Pickett might just be the offensive boost they need—even if Pickett’s play has been anything but consistent.
As for the Raiders, bringing in Pickens wouldn’t just be about saving cap space; it’d be a chance to set up a new WR1 at a lower salary. Pickens isn’t a free agent until 2026, giving Vegas a cost-effective weapon who could grow into his role without the immediate pressure of a Pro Bowl legacy.
Player-for-player trades are rare in the NFL, especially when it’s two big names. But as the trade talks around Adams continue, we could be looking at one of the season’s wildest moves.
