The NFL world woke up on Wednesday to news that the Pittsburgh Steelers traded WR George Pickens and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
This news shocked the league, as Pickens is uber talented, but the Steelers weren't interested in another year together. Meanwhile, the Cowboys had a huge void at WR across from CeeDee Lamb and Pickens is slated to step into that spot.
These moves will have ripple effects around the league, and it could benefit Keenan Allen. The former Bears receiver has been on the open market since March, and with a void in Pittsburgh, that could be a logical landing spot for Allen.
The Steelers traded for DK Metcalf and gave him a monster extension, but there isn't a reliable WR2 on the team. Pittsburgh has Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek on the team.
Allen is better than any of these guys and would give the Steelers a crafty route runner who owns secure hands at the catch point. Last season with the Bears, Allen had 70 catches (121 targets) for 744 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
In his career, the 33-year-old has logged 974 receptions for 11,274 receiving yards and 66 scores. His best days are likely behind him, but it doesn't mean Allen wouldn't be able to step in and be a productive player.
Teams haven't jumped at the idea to sign Allen yet, but with this move, that could have become clearer. The Steelers have been a topic of discussion this offseason, and that won't fade with the constant drama around whether Aaron Rodgers will be on the team or not.
Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler and has some good legs left. The Steelers are a good landing spot for him, but we'll have to see if that materializes.