The Pittsburgh Steelers rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, found themselves in an interesting situation. There were plenty of debates about how the Bengals could afford to pay Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, their star wide receiver duo, both top receiver money. They made it happen on Monday, locking in Chase with a four-year, $161 million deal and Higgins with a four-year, $115 million contract. That’s an enormous amount of money to commit to two receivers, but it’s also something the Steelers may eventually have to think about themselves.
After the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf, they signed him to a five-year deal worth $130 million. George Pickens will be off his rookie deal after the 2025 season, and Pittsburgh will need to decide whether they can afford to pay Pickens top-tier money with Metcalf already taking up $30 million per year. The Bengals' aggressive spending could make things even more complicated for the Steelers when Pickens’ contract talks begin, especially if he continues to develop into one of the league’s best young receivers.
After the news broke on Monday, Pickens took to his Instagram story to share a simple, but powerful reaction. He posted a fire emoji, showing his excitement for Chase and Higgins while also possibly hinting at his own future. The message was subtle, but it sent a clear signal: Pickens knows the wide receiver market is exploding, and when his turn comes, he’ll be looking for something big.
It's not very fair to Pickens to simply speculate his meaning behind two fire emojis. However, it's interesting to say the least. Pickens' reaction could also reflect the growing reality that young wide receivers are gaining more leverage than ever before. With each blockbuster deal, the market shifts, and players like Pickens have every reason to pay attention. His fire emojis might not just be excitement — they could be recognition that the standard for "top receiver money" is climbing, and even if he doesn’t reach Chase or Higgins levels, he’s likely going to benefit from that inflation.
Another angle to consider is how Pickens’ personality fits into all of this. He’s known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, often playing with a chip on his shoulder. That fire emoji could represent fuel — a reminder that he sees these big contracts and feels even more motivated to prove he belongs in that conversation. The Bengals’ decision might have just given him another reason to push harder in 2025.
It’s also worth noting that the Steelers typically avoid overcommitting financially to multiple receivers. The Bengals took a bold approach, but Pittsburgh has historically prioritized defense and line play in their spending. Pickens might be aware that he’s going to have to make himself undeniable to force the team into a tough decision. That added pressure could become one of the key storylines to watch in the next two seasons.
Steelers Seem Destined To End Up In The Same Situation As The Bengals
With Metcalf now in Pittsburgh and Pickens due for a new deal after the 2025 season, all eyes are on the Steelers front office. Pickens is undeniably one of the most talented young receivers in the league, but his attitude and effort at times have caused some fans to question if he’s worth a massive long-term investment.
Still, that perception might be unfair. His frustrations usually surface in losses, where he feels he can make a bigger impact but isn’t given the chance. When the team is winning, Pickens rarely shows signs of discontent — something that speaks more to his competitive nature than a character flaw.
His reaction to the Bengals locking up both Chase and Higgins adds another layer of intrigue. Whether those fire emojis were excitement, motivation, or just acknowledgment of where the market is going, they’ll be part of the conversation as he enters his contract year. The Steelers will soon face a major decision: pay Pickens alongside Metcalf and build around two high-priced receivers, or move in a different direction. Either way, Pickens’ performance and demeanor over the next season will tell them everything they need to know.
