The Pittsburgh Steelers finished another regular season where expectations weren't fully met. With a 10-3 start, the road ahead seemed to be smooth sailing as Russell Wilson was leading Pittsburgh's offense to victories almost each week. Steeler Nation was used to the offense being almost unbearable to watch, but things looked a bit different earlier on in the season. However, after a four-game skid to end the 2024 regular season and the offense going back to its old ways, it's hard to imagine what next season's team will look like, especially if the Steelers lose Saturday night to the Baltimore Ravens.
Star wide receiver George Pickens was the best part of this offense for the most part this season, but lately his actions haven't helped his case in staying in Pittsburgh. Fans have known about Pickens' antics since he played for the University of Georgia and this season, it has come up again. From taking off his helmet on the field in frustration, to getting into exchanges with opposing players and even fans, Pickens hasn't made a great argument for himself to get a contract extension during this offseason.
Gerry Dulac held his weekly chat on Wednesday morning for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette where he answers many questions from fans. One question asked if Pickens' negatives have outweighed the positives this season and if the receiver would be back for 2025. Dulac's response was simple.
"Yes they have," Dulac said. "And that's to be determined."
Pickens finished the regular season with 59 catches for 900 yards and only three touchdowns. He did miss three games due to a hamstring injury and the offense clearly lacked without its best players out on the field. Pickens definitely won back some fans during his absence, but his frustrations got the best of him during Week 18's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was a rough game for a receiver who has shown he just wants the ball thrown to him. Pickens had one catch on six targets and zero yards. His drops weren't pretty and that only built his annoyance, where it soon showed as he was seen talking back to fans on the sideline. Pat Freiermuth tried calming him down and Wilson was seen after an offensive drive talking to Pickens one-on-one.
Veteran players like Wilson have been trying to help Pickens, but it's not clear if that's truly working or not. Pickens is an amazing talent, but the Steelers have dealt with these kind of wide receivers before and all of them have been let go at some point. With our without Pickens, Pittsburgh needs to boost its wide receiver room this offseason. Whether it's drafting a player or signing a quality receiver in free agency, there needs to be more weapons on offense.
The Steelers may let Pickens ride out the rest of his contract and see how he behaves in 2025, but it's hard to imagine how much more Tomlin and others can take. Players definitely appreciate his talent, but not so much his on and off field antics.
Steelers' George Pickens Receives Support From Two Important Figures On The Team
Some players may be over Pickens' antics, but the wide receiver still garners support from two key people on the team. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Wilson have stood behind Pickens for the most part this season. Wilson defended Pickens after his drop-filled game in Week 18 and Tomlin usually never talks negatively about Pickens.
This is because Tomlin probably handles the situation internally and moves on from it. Fans were concerned when Tomlin was asked about the situation where Pickens was arguing with fans and Tomlin told reporters he had no idea about that. He most likely didn't want the media knowing what was going on because Pickens usually creates a scene when frustrated.
It would be a shame to lose tremendous talent and start over in the wide receiver room, but as a team, Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan knows what's best for the Steelers.
