The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to having highly talented receivers that can make highlight-reel catch after highlight-reel catch. Without another true starting option, George Pickens will be expected to go from a guy that can make one big play per game to a consistent receiver that his quarterbacks can rely on in many different situations. Despite the Steelers completely overhauling their quarterback room in the 2024 offseason, Pickens already seemingly has plenty of chemistry with one of his new signal-callers.
During a sideline interview in Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Justin Fields was asked about anything that might be surprising about Pickens' game. Fields broke down why nothing was truly shocking about Pickens' play.
"I knew George [Pickens] before y'all new George. I've known George since high school; he's always been the same, just a freak athlete, a crazy receiver. You can just throw it up there when nobody's open and he's most likely to come down with it. He's the same player that I've known from high school. He's just playing ball, and that's it."
The Steelers watched Pickens' insane highlights from the Georgia Bulldogs, which led them to draft him when he fell into their laps in the second round in 2022. Georgia must have watched Pickens' tape from his high school days and made sure that he could do the same for them. Even in the NFL, he has been a big play machine that will make all the highlight tapes as long as he's targeted.
Obviously, the Steelers' quarterback controversy has no chance of dying anytime soon, but if Fields can continue to develop the chemistry that he's had with Pickens since their teenage years, then he could potentially edge out Russell Wilson for the starting gig, or at least dethrone him sooner.
Pickens still has his issues, but he is expected to continue maturing as a player, and even as a leader during the 2024 season. He has had plenty of great moments during his short career so far, but if he can be that consistent receiver who can make any quarterback comfortable, then he should have no problem growing with Fields.
Steelers' Justin Fields Has Experience With Quickly Finding Chemistry
While Fields had a rough 2023 season, he had some great chemistry with DJ Moore. Moore was part of the package from the Carolina Panthers to acquire the first overall pick in 2023. Despite not ever playing together before that, it did not take long at all for them to become a feared duo in the league. Moore caught 96 passes for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns with the Chicago Bears.
Fields only played 13 games in 2024, but when he was on the field, it was obvious who his first target was. Not only did Fields help Moore develop, but he had a career year in Chicago. Moore became exactly what the Panthers had hoped for when they drafted him in the first place. Now that Fields is gone, Moore will try to help Caleb Williams develop and keep that same level of play that he had with Fields.
Whether Fields can have that same level of chemistry with Pickens or not is to be determined, but if they can get even close to that level, then the trade with Chicago would be a total success.
