Steelers Eye Buccaneers' Star WR as Trade Target to Replace George Pickens

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers concluded last season with one of the most explosive wide receiver groups in the NFL. The threesome consisting of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Jalen McMillan can rival any of the best teams in the NFL.

Even though Godwin missed over half of the 2024 season due to injury, McMillan rose to the occasion significantly and demonstrated his capability as a primary option for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

McMillan ended the year with 461 receiving yards, yet he possessed an impressive ability to score, especially towards the latter part of the season when the Buccaneers were vying for a playoff berth. This rookie wide receiver concluded his first year with eight touchdowns under his belt.

Despite being 31 years old, Mike Evans' accomplishments speak volumes. His career includes six Pro Bowl selections along with more than 12,000 receiving yards and 105 touchdowns. Each season, Evans consistently demonstrates that he remains among the top wide receivers in the NFL.

Godwin has found it challenging to maintain his health over his career, yet when he does play, he proves to be quite formidable. In 2024, he was on track for personal bests with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns until he got injured. a gruesome knee injury in Week 7.

Although he was expected to be among the premier wide receivers available in free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' leadership managed to retain him locally by signing the speedy player to a three-year deal worth $66 million, including $45 million guaranteed.

That group was already causing sleepless nights for opposing defensive coordinators. However, during the first round of the NFL Draft, the Buccaneers further strengthened their receiving corps by selecting Ohio State star Emeka Egbuga.

It seems challenging on paper to envision any defense managing to halt this team in 2025.

However, after the announcement on Wednesday that the Steelers had agreed to trade George Pickens to the Cowboys, Pittsburgh now faces a significant gap at wide receiver. The team will likely seek to bolster their receiving corps alongside DK Metcalf.

Liam Rebellato from Last Word on Sports thinks the Steelers might focus on acquiring both Godwin and McMillan from the Buccaneers through a possible trade. While it seems unlikely that the Bucs would let go of Godwin so soon after signing him to an extension, trading away McMillan appears quite logical. Here’s what Rebellato shared: > [Insert Quote from Rebellato]

Following Tampa Bay’s selection of Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Godwin could become an appealing choice. He offers a robust presence as a dependable receiver capable of playing both inside and outside positions.

McMillan might emerge as a stealthy trade option for the Steelers. Given that the Buccaneers boast an impressive lineup of receivers including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Trey Palmer, McMillan could find himself seeing fewer playing opportunities. However, he possesses significant potential as a refined route runner and could excel with increased chances to play in Pittsburgh.