Trading George Pickens was a mistake the Steelers had to make

When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for wide receiver DK Metcalf at the start of the offseason, it invigorated the fan base with the idea of Metcalf and George Pickens on the field at the same time. However, it wasn't long before we realized the Metcalf trade wasn't to play with Pickens but to play instead of him. Just after the NFL draft, the Steelers dealt Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys and it was solid as addition and by subtraction.

Fast forward to now and one remarkable stat puts a spotlight on just how soundly the Cowboys won this trade. for the season, Pickens has 1,044 receiving yards. All of the Steelers receivers combined have only 1,009 receiving yards. Regardless, by all accounts, the team doesn't regret the decision and if this was a mistake, it's a mistake the team had to make.

Yards are a great stat, but you don't win games by gaining more yards; you win by scoring more points. And as of now, the Steelers at No. 11 in the league in scoring and just .1 of a point per game out of landing in the Top 10. For all the problems with this team, scoring points isn't near the top of the list. The focus of the offense has shifted to the tight ends and running backs with a strong emphasis on running the football.

Just from a talent perspective, there's zero doubt this was a mistake but it is clear this is a mistake the team was happy to make with not regrets.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Trading George Pickens was a mistake the Steelers had to make