The Steelers are nearing a crossroads with George Pickens.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads with wide receiver George Pickens heading into the 2025 season. The team has to decide whether to continue investing in a young player with immense talent but troubling inconsistencies or to look for opportunities to move him for trade capital.
With the Steelers’ offensive struggles well-documented over the past few seasons, Pickens’ future has become a focal point for Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan.
Pickens, a second-round pick in 2022, possesses the physical attributes of a dynamic playmaker. His athleticism, combined with a rare ability to stretch the field, makes him a dangerous deep threat. In 2024, the Steelers' top wide receiver finished the regular season with 900 yards and three touchdowns.
Pickens demonstrated flashes of his potential throughout the year, making big catches that showcased his ability to dominate in contested situations. However, his performance was inconsistent, leaving questions about his focus and commitment.
The most glaring issue was Pickens’ inability to stay engaged during the critical stretch of the season. His absence in key moments, especially during the final weeks, raised red flags. In Week 18, Pickens was targeted six times but finished the game with only one reception for zero yards. That outing was part of a larger trend.
Pickens failed to record 75 receiving yards since November 17, and his lack of production and apparent lack of focus on the field has frustrated both coaches and fans. Now his Wild Card performance feels like an audition for his future.
Steelers must use this playoff run to evaluate George Pickens' future
The Steelers’ offensive woes have been an ongoing narrative. For several years, the team has followed a familiar cycle: a strong start to the season, followed by a collapse towards the end that results in poor playoff seeding.
Tomlin’s staff continues to face the same questions about their offensive identity, and Pickens’ inability to break through consistently adds to the headache. With the team struggling to develop offensive chemistry, continuing to invest in a young receiver who hasn’t met his potential is becoming more questionable
Given the team’s positioning in the upcoming draft, it seems unlikely they’ll have an opportunity to select a first-round wide receiver, making the idea of trading Pickens a viable option. The Steelers could potentially acquire valuable assets for the young receiver, using him as trade collateral to address other areas of need.While Pickens still has the potential to be a key piece of Pittsburgh’s future, his development needs to be more consistent, and the Steelers can’t afford to wait much longer to see results.
Ultimately, if the Steelers choose to keep George Pickens, they must see a major turnaround. His talent is undeniable, but he must become more reliable and focused on the field. He must make his case in the playoffs, where big plays will be necessary for a deep run.
The next few weeks are critical for Pickens to prove that he can be a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offense — or a trade asset that will help fuel the team’s future success.
