The Pittsburgh Steelers missing out on Brandon Aiyuk might have allowed the opportunity for George Pickens to earn a big pay day in the near future. Aiyuk will be earning $120 million over four years in San Francisco, a similar contract the Steelers would have had to pony up if a trade went through. Now the Steelers can look to their roster and dish out some money on extensions. Many players are looking to earn a new contract, like Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, Cam Heyward, and other key pieces to the Pittsburgh organization.
While the Steelers believe Pickens can be a great WR1 for them, he has shown moments of immaturity during his stint in Pittsburgh. While joining 93.7 The Fan, insider Mark Kaboly was telling the studio that if Pickens doesn't get the ball now, we could see him get more angry since his play this season will determine his future contract.
"George might get angry. If that ball doesn't come to him enough, guess what, that hurts the pocket book... But if Pickens doesn't get the ball, that's one thing. Now we're so close of him getting paid, now that's the different story now."
Pickens is looking forward to a massive Year 3 with the Steelers. He will be the clear cut top wide receiver in a room full of journeymen, rookie Roman Wilson, and fellow third-year receiver Calvin Austin III. Pickens had a nice season last year where he had 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and added 5 touchdowns, a great step forward from his rookie year. Now in a much improved offensive system compared to what he played in his first two seasons and a new quarterback room, he looking to see even more production.
While the Steelers have high expectations for Pickens this coming season, if he continues to be an issue in the locker room, they have made it clear that they aren't afraid to move on from headaches. Diontae Johnson, who was traded back in March to the Carolina Panthers, was becoming too much of a distraction on and off the field for the team. From giving up on plays, to fear that he was becoming a poor influence to the younger receivers, Omar Khan thought it was best to move on from him and was able to get Pittsburgh a cornerback to pair with Joey Porter Jr. in the process: Donte Jackson.
If Pickens wants a big pay day, not only does he need to keep his head on straight, but he needs to produce. Russell Wilson is now leading the Steelers' offense and will have the pressure to make sure that Pickens gets his opportunities. Pickens has shown in the past that he will shut down or get overly emotional when it comes to his lack of production from being visibly upset on the bench, to giving up on his blocks. Wilson will not only be tasked to lead the Steelers' offense down the field and finish drives with six points, but to keep his star receiver fed and in check every game.
Steelers' Pickens Maturity Will Be The Make Or Break For A Contract Extension
It is up to Pickens when it comes down to a contract extension. If he cannot only produce for the Steelers' offense, but be a positive force within the locker room, Khan will make sure he gets a deal that is beneficial for him. Unfortunately for Pickens, until a receiver proves to be a valuable number two option, many teams will make it a priority to keep the ball out of his hands.
The Steelers hope to see Pickens production flourish in Smith's offense like AJ Brown did from 2019-20 with the Tennessee Titans.
Will this be the season where George Pickens shows the NFL that he can be one of the top receivers in the league and earn himself a long term deal with the Steelers? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
