The 2025 season is imperative for what direction the Miami Dolphins will take. After missing the playoffs last year, the organization believes it can still compete under head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier. But with Tyreek Hill possibly wanting out and the high-powered Buffalo Bills not going anywhere, things aren't getting any easier.
This is why Miami should trade for another deep ball threat: current Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens.
Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie deal and carries a $4.178 million cap hit. The 2022 second-round pick had 1,140 receiving yards in his second NFL campaign, but that number dropped to an even 900 last season. He could fill Tyreek's role if the speedster forces his way out, or they could form one of the most formidable WR duos in the league together.
Pickens did not express confidence in the Steelers' offense moving forward after their Wild Card loss in Baltimore. The team later acquired DK Metcalf from Seattle and immediately signed him to a massive five-year extension, but it is still without a starting quarterback, as both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson have signed elsewhere.
With Metcalf on board, TJ Watt due for his own massive payday by next offseason, and uncertainty behind center, the time may be right to move on from Pickens - and Miami is an interesting suitor.
The Dolphins currently have 10 picks in the upcoming Draft, so they can afford to part with some future capital. Metcalf cost a 2nd round pick, so an equal return would almost surely get the deal done.
If that's a bit too steep for Miami's liking, they could counter with a 3rd (98th overall) and a 5th (150th or 155th). It'd still be a bigger return than the compensatory pick Pittsburgh would get if they let Pickens walk after this season.
If Hill is still here, then Pickens could be franchise-tagged in 2026 before being offered his extension. If he's not, then the 'Phins can take some of that open cap space and lock him up immediately. Either way, a proven receiver like George is a very valuable investment.
Related: Dolphins Now Projected To Receive 2026 Compensatory Pick
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This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM.