The Pittsburgh Steelers made an interesting move to trade away their superstar wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The decision doesn’t come as much of a shock, as many fans believed his days in Pittsburgh were numbered. Pickens was undeniably talented, but his attitude, effort, and sideline behavior had been called into question for some time. Eventually, Head Coach Mike Tomlin decided it was time to move on, and the Steelers shipped him off in a blockbuster deal.
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Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens appears angry on the sideline during a home game in the Steel City.
With DK Metcalf now in place as their top wide receiver, the Steelers are hoping for a more consistent and disciplined presence on the field. Metcalf brings size, speed, and experience, and he fits the physical style of play the team wants to establish. Still, the rest of the wide receiver group lacks proven production, and there are growing concerns about whether this unit can truly support the offense through a full season.
On Friday, a rumor caught fire on social media when a Steelers media personality posted that the team was working on a potential trade for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave. The report cited Adam Crowley, who later clarified that he received a text from someone familiar with the situation that simply read "Chris Olave." While nothing has been confirmed, the buzz has fans wondering if General Manager Omar Khan is about to make another bold move to upgrade the offense before the season kicks off.
Olave was selected 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Saints, and he wasted no time making an impact at the professional level. Known for his smooth route running, top-end speed, and ability to create separation, Olave quickly established himself as one of the most promising young wide receivers in the league.
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Saints' Chris Olave runs a route during an away game in 2023.
As a rookie, he posted impressive numbers with 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns, showing flashes of star potential despite inconsistent quarterback play. He followed that strong debut with an even better sophomore campaign in 2023, hauling in 87 catches for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the NFL.
However, 2024 brought significant challenges for Olave. He battled through a string of injuries and multiple concussions that severely limited his availability and production throughout the season. When he was on the field, he still showed the traits that made him a first-round pick, but the lack of consistency and health became a growing concern.
While Olave's talent is undeniable, teams will understandably be cautious given his recent injury history. Still, if he can stay healthy, there’s little doubt that he has the ability to be one of the league’s most dynamic receivers for years to come.
Steelers Possibly In The Early Stages Of Working A Trade For Saints' Chris Olave
Now, rumors are swirling that the Steelers are in the very early stages of discussing a potential trade with the Saints for Olave. While nothing is imminent, the chatter has sparked major interest among fans and media alike. The Steelers already made a bold move by trading away Pickens and bringing in Metcalf to serve as their new top option, but beyond Metcalf, the wide receiver room is thin and unproven.
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Saints wide receiver Chris Olave celebrates after scoring a touchdown in New Orleans during the 2023 NFL season.
Adding someone like Olave would instantly give the Steelers one of the most explosive one-two punches at the position. It’s still unclear what the Saints would want in return, but if Khan can pull this off, it would be a massive boost for a Steelers offense looking to regain its identity. Given Olave’s upside and track record when healthy, this could be the kind of aggressive move that takes Pittsburgh’s passing game to the next level.
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