Packers walking into a draft disaster with baffling WR trade buzz

Green Bay Packers fans had high hopes entering the offseason. They believed in a potential reunion with Davante Adams or a blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf. Instead, the Packers gave them Mecole Hardman.

There is renewed hope, with buzz heating up that the Packers could draft a wide receiver early. Potential first-round target Tetairoa McMillan all but confirmed Green Bay's interest in him by saying the team had shown him "nothing but love" during the pre-draft process.

The Packers could, and should, go in that direction, but an emerging rumor may throw a curveball into those dreams.

According to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Packers have "serious" interest in trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, who could be available during the draft.

It's worth noting that the Packers get thrown around a lot in trade and free-agency rumors, and we can only hope that's happening here because a move for Pickens makes little sense.

Trading for George Pickens would be an underwhelming solution to Packers' wide receiver problem

Sure, Pickens is a talented player. He had a 1,000-yard year in 2023 and is coming off a 900-yard, three-touchdown effort last season. The former second-round pick makes impossible catches look easy, and there's no doubt he could help the Packers' offense.

There's a but.

If the Steelers are willing to move on from their former second-round investment, there's probably a reason for that.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin once said Pickens needs to "grow up." Then came a report from The Athletic's Mike DeFabo that he showed up late to the Steelers' Christmas game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

That's before we mention the contract situation.

The Packers have two wide receivers, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, who are entering contract years. They likely can't pay them both. Pickens comes from the same rookie class and also has an expiring contract after this season. Is Green Bay really considering burning draft capital and handing Pickens a long-term deal?

Yes, the Packers need wide receiver help, but they are far better off supplementing their current group through the draft. If they wanted to trade for a veteran, why not land Metcalf? The Steelers' move for the former Seattle Seahawks star has allowed them to entertain offers for Pickens.

Pickens is a talented player, no doubt, but the Packers shouldn't trade for him. They should add a rookie (or two) in the draft rather than paying big for a receiver on an expiring contract who has yet to reach his potential in three seasons.