The Pittsburgh Steelers have several significant decisions to make over the offseason. Even though the Steelers have used their last four first-round selections on offensive players, they lack leadership on that side of the ball. Unfortunately, at least two selections did not pan out in Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris, and the jury is still out on Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. That offense being so young and continually turning over has created unfavorable conditions for the players.
Former Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch is now an analyst and color commentator for the team. He joined the Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show on 102.5 WDVE to discuss how the team should proceed in the offseason. One looming question is what to do with wide receiver George Pickens. He will be eligible for a contract extension in 2025. He will become a free agent after the season if they don't offer him one. While Pickens has talent, his actions have many worried about how he will act if his future is uncertain.
"Yeah, I mean, he's frustrating, and he has a right to be frustrated," said Batch. "If you didn't know anything about George Pickens, this is the most he's ever lost in his career. So you add that on top of playing with six quarterbacks and then in multiple systems, it's just frustrating because there's no continuity as you move forward. So when you hear the soundbytes and how frustrated he is, 'Is this the offense for you?' 'Naw.' I understand it, but hey, there's nothing more to mending a relationship than showing the money. But I think he's looking for answers moving forward because he's tired of learning a new system every single year, and it's become tiresome for players in that particular manner."
Just as many suggested the way to engage Pickens in games was to throw him the ball, Batch believes committing to him with an extension will provide him with the security he is looking for after so much turmoil. He has played for several quarterbacks and offensive coordinators in Pittsburgh thus far.
According to Batch, Pickens is another causality of the lack of leadership on Pittsburgh's offense. He needs that consistency that it seems Pittsburgh is trying to build. Batch feels if they offer him a new contract, he will stand up, profess his love for Pittsburgh, and let everyone know he never wanted to leave.
"I don't think he demands a trade," explained Batch. "You don't want to be frustrated to the point that you nuance to the next team and all of a sudden the next team won't pay you. So he's going to stay the course and do everything right. Right now, we're seeing his representative until he gets paid and then once he gets paid, then we'll see who he truly is. But ultimately, I think George stays here in Pittsburgh and I think they work things out."
If the Steelers choose to trade Pickens this offseason, they will need to find multiple receivers. The lack of a talented number two receiver on the offense was crippling during the 2024 season.
Steelers' George Pickens Faces New Accusations
Even Pickens' biggest fans wouldn't claim that he has been easy to work with. He has been volatile, getting in fights with teammates, opponents, and even trying to fight fans. He has been accused of not giving full effort and for refusing to block for his teammates.
However, on the heels of the team's late-season slump, Pickens is facing new accusations. There are reports that he showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens had already missed three games with a reported hamstring injury and should have been eager to get back and help his team. However, he reportedly showed up late and yet Head Coach Mike Tomlin allowed him to play.
