Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver, George Pickens is entering the final season of his rookie deal. Over his first three seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens has proven to be a talented receiver, showcasing his incredible ability to make spectacular catches and contribute to the offense. However, his time with the Steelers has also been marred by incidents that have frustrated fans. On a few primetime occasions, Pickens struggled on the field and had emotional outbursts that led to criticism from both the media and fans.
This has created a split within the fan base about Pickens' value to the team moving forward. While some believe in his potential and raw talent, others are concerned about his attitude and consistency. The Steelers have a history of parting ways with talented but troubled wide receivers, making Pickens' future with the team uncertain. Many insiders speculate that, after the 2025 season, the Steelers may not offer him a new contract or even trade him before the season begins.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently weighed in on Pickens' future during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. Fittipaldo shared his belief that Pickens' time in Pittsburgh could be up sooner rather than later, suggesting that the second night of the 2025 draft could be pivotal. He speculated that the Steelers may choose to move on from Pickens, whether through a trade or another decision, as the team continues to evaluate its wide receiver room.
"I don’t know what the Steelers are thinking on that," Fittipaldo said. "If you’re asking me, my own personal opinion, I’d do it in a heartbeat."
While Fittipaldo admitted he isn't certain about the exact plans of the Steelers' front office regarding Pickens on draft night, he did express strong concerns based on the team's history and what fans have witnessed from Pickens.
Fittipaldo believes that, given the Steelers' track record with talented yet troubled wide receivers, fans should be prepared for the possibility of a major trade involving Pickens on the second day of the draft.
"Listen, they’ve never been afraid to trade wide receivers before, so just knowing their history, I wouldn’t discount that possibility happening on draft day," Fittipaldo said.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has built a reputation for being aggressive in both free agency and the draft. He’s made it clear that he prefers trading up rather than down, always aiming to secure the best player available. This approach was highlighted when the Steelers committed $30 million a year to DK Metcalf after he was traded to Pittsburgh. With Pickens’ contract set to expire after the 2025 season, the Steelers will need to make a decision: pay up to keep him or risk losing him for nothing.
The Steelers could face a tough choice—either let Pickens walk or trade him for a second-round pick, provided the market values him that highly. It seems like something the Steelers would consider, but it would put them in a precarious position at wide receiver. Trading Pickens could leave a significant void in the receiving corps, one that would require the team to find a worthy replacement, potentially in the draft.
If the Steelers do move Pickens, they’d likely turn to the draft to bolster the wide receiver room. The prospect of Pickens and Metcalf dominating opposing secondaries is a tantalizing thought for Steelers fans. However, that dream could be shattered if Pickens is traded on day two of the draft, leaving the team to rebuild its receiving corps in a different direction.
Steelers Weigh Pros And Cons Of Trading George Pickens
The Steelers are carefully weighing the pros and cons of trading Pickens. Moving him could provide valuable draft capital to strengthen other areas, especially with the looming decision to pay him after 2025. However, his talent and big-play potential make him a key asset in their offense, and parting with him could be a costly mistake.
On the flip side, keeping Pickens means investing in his growth and maintaining a young, dynamic receiver for the future. But with his contract expiring soon, the Steelers face the risk of losing him for nothing if they don’t make a decision before the 2025 season.
