Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens set off speculation about his future with the team this week when he unfollowed the organization on his social media profiles. The Steelers signalled a succession plan for Pickens when they traded with the Seattle Seahawks for D.K. Metcalf this offseason.
The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 draft. He’s recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards, and 12 touchdowns in his first three seasons in the league. While he’s been Pittsburgh’s lead target in 2024, his attitude has rubbed many in the locker room the wrong way.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have received inquiries for their star WR
Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com, the Steelers have received multiple inquiries for Pickens before the draft. But Pittsburgh is not shopping him yet.
“From what I’ve heard, the Steelers have received multiple inquiries about Pickens,” Farabaugh wrote. “They have not been shopping for him, however. Sources have reiterated since the NFL Combine that the Steelers, idealy, do not plan to trade Pickens this year, and the plan was to pair him with DK Metcalf, not replace him.
“Pittsburgh also does not plan to extend Pickens this offseason, however, which could cause complications. If Pickens were traded, the Steelers would have to be blown away by an offer. My understanding is that it would have to be at least an early third-round pick if not a second-round pick.”
George Pickens will have plenty of interest despite the drama
There’s no surprise that at 24, the six-foot-three, 200-pound athlete is receiving interest from receiver-needy teams. But whether teams want to risk a Day 2 pick on a projected diva remains to be seen.
Pickens is coming off a season where he caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns. He recorded 1,140 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.
While the Steelers might not re-sign Pickens, keeping the talented receiver would make sense for 2025 if the team winds up signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers would have a solid receiver corps with Metcalf and Pickens in the upcoming season, something that would be beneficial for an organization going “all-in” for Rodgers.
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