Almost two weeks after the NFL Draft, the NFL took a mini break from being the center of sporting news. But on Wednesday morning, the NFL returned to the top when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens' trade had been rumored the entire off-season, and it finally happened.
For many Bears fans, the Pickens trade may have brought back memories when the Bears could have drafted Pickens in the 2022 NFL Draft. Wide receiver was a real need to help with the development of quarterback Justin Fields. Instead, new general manager Ryan Poles selected cornerback Kyler Gordon from Washington with the 39th overall pick, passing on Pickens. The decision was not well-received back then.
Kyler Gordon's impact and production has outweighed Pickens.
Kyler Gordon has proven to be a cornerstone of the Bears' defense from Day 1. He has consistently demonstrated his value on the field and established himself as one of the league's premier nickelbacks. In his first three seasons, Gordon has accumulated impressive stats, including 207 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 17 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions.
Pickens, meanwhile, has 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in his three seasons. He had 1,140 yards in 2023, but dropped to 801 yards last season. As talented as Pickens is, he has always had issues dating back to his days at Georgia. He was ejected in 2019 for fighting against in-state rival Georgia Tech. A year later, he received an unsportsmanlike penalty for squirting water at Tennessee quarterback Jarett Guarantano. That penalty angered head coach Kirby Smart.
Even after entering the league, Pickens' antics continued. Bryan Murphy of the Sporting News posted a lengthy timeline of troubles Pickens has been involved in, and you will be floored. Pickens becomes the latest Steeler receiver to be traded, and if the past is any indication, Pickens will likely flounder in Dallas just like his predecessors, Antonio Brown, Dionte Johnson, and Chase Claypool did. The Bears should know firsthand how poor the Claypool trade worked out.
Gordon's consistent performance and growth have validated this choice, providing the Bears with a dependable player who contributes significantly to their defensive success. Poles rewarded Gordon with a three-year, $40 million extension last month, which had to be sweet for Poles that the first player he selected as a general manager not only turned into a great player, but also exemplifies the importance of balancing talent with character and consistency.
Considering the Bears have since acquired DJ Moore in a trade from Carolina, and drafted Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III consecutively, I do not think many Bears fans are complaining about not drafting Pickens these days.