The Pittsburgh Steelers had arguably the best current available free agent wide receiver in Pittsburgh for three seasons in George Pickens before trading him to the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season. Many pundits were stunned by the team's decision to move on from him, but it was understood that he was playing on the final year of his rookie deal, and Pittsburgh clearly did not want to pay franchise wide receiver money.
Tony Gutierrez / ap photo
Former Steelers WR George Pickens leaps a defender during his time playing with the Dallas Cowboys.
Pickens went to Dallas and immediately exploded onto the scene, becoming one of the most sought-after wide receivers in free agency. His breakout performance has left teams across the league scrambling to find a comparable talent, and his departure from Pittsburgh has only intensified the spotlight on the Steelers’ search for a top-tier receiver.
After Pickens, the next big name is Green Bay Packers’ Romeo Doubs. Packers insider Matt Schneidman revealed via The Athletic that he believes Doubs is likely to leave Green Bay in free agency. This could be excellent news for Pittsburgh, as the team is in need of a wide receiver to complement DK Metcalf, and Doubs fits the bill perfectly, offering the Steelers a chance to address one of their most pressing offensive needs.
"I'm not putting him above Christian Watson or Jayden Reed just yet, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use him over Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs is as good as gone in free agency," Schneidman said.
All Steelers fans need to hear and care about is that final part. Schneidman was answering a question from a Packers fan about young wide receiver Matthew Golden and why he wasn’t used much in his rookie season.
While making it clear that he isn’t putting Golden above some of the Packers’ other wide receivers yet, Schneidman dropped an important nugget for Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and fans to latch onto regarding Doubs.
Samantha Madar / USA Today
Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs works to catch a pass from Aaron Rodgers in his rookie training camp in 2022 with Green Bay.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst is very excited about Golden’s development, which hints that the team might be comfortable not paying Doubs and allowing him to walk in free agency. That said, Pittsburgh would still need to submit the highest bid to land the 25-year-old wide receiver.
Doubs’ market value, according to Spotrac, is $12 million per year. That is a significant sum, but for a receiver in his prime who has been as productive as Doubs, it may well be worth it. For Pittsburgh, signing him would give their wide receiver room some much-needed help.
Aside from Alec Pierce, whose market value is even higher, the Steelers would have a chance to land one of the top free agent wide receivers if they secure Doubs. This could be a key move to strengthen their offense and complement Metcalf effectively.
Steelers Can Quickly Fix Wide Receiver Situation Via Free Agency
The Steelers’ wide receiver situation has become one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason for several seasons now. After letting Pickens out of the building and watching him thrive in Dallas, Pittsburgh clearly cannot afford to wait on addressing the position. Doubs presents a unique opportunity to fill that void.
Butch Dill / ap photo
Romeo Doubs in action during a 2022 Packers game, showcasing the skills that quickly earned him a role as a reliable target alongside Aaron Rodgers in his rookie season.
With Packers insider Schneidman hinting that Doubs may not return to Green Bay, the Steelers have a chance to make a splash in free agency and secure a proven, productive target for their offense. While his market value of $12 million per year is substantial, Doubs is in his prime and could immediately provide the team with the dynamic presence it needs alongside Metcalf.
For Steelers fans and Khan, the message is clear: investing in Doubs is an opportunity to avoid repeating past mistakes and give this offense a legitimate second threat at wide receiver, potentially reshaping the team’s outlook for the 2026 season and beyond.
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