Steelers Now
Former NFL quarterback and current analyst for FS1, Chase Daniel, said earlier this week that a very reliable source told him that George Pickens actually enjoys being a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.
“A quick nugget that I heard about George Pickens from a very reliable source. Is that George Pickens, he actually likes his time in Pittsburgh because of Mike Tomlin. Mike Tomlin and him have a very strong relationship is what I’m being told,” Daniels said on the Scoop City podcast with co-host Dianna Russini.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirmed Daniel’s report on NFL Live on Friday night. George Pickens wants to remain in the Steel City.
“There was a little bit of smoke going on at the draft but I was told that Pickens in the end wants to be in Pittsburgh. He loves Mike Tomlin and wants to be part of things here in Pittsburgh,” Fowler said.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Pickens’ name was being tossed around in trade discussions prior to the draft and the Dallas Cowboys were among the teams that tried to acquire him. The Green Bay Packers also reportedly had a seriously interest in trading for Pickens, but they selected Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round.
Pickens has been productive for the Steelers, recording 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns through the first three years of his NFL career. Talent is not the issue with Pickens. It more so has to do with his emotional outbursts and unpredictable behavior.
The 24-year-old will now see even less attention by opposing defenses after Pittsburgh traded for wide receiver DK Metcalf this offseason, which should only help his production.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan is looking forward to seeing the Metcalf-Pickens duo. Trading Pickens would just create another hole at the receiver position.
“No,” Khan said during his pre-draft press conference when asked about the possibility of Pickens being traded, “we’re glad we have George and DK (Metcalf) here. I think they’re gonna be exciting for everyone to watch. Excited to have DK here, but no.”
The only thing the Steelers may have to worry about this summer is if Pickens is willing to play on an expiring deal. But their handling of the situation thus far hints they don’t believe that will be a problem yet.
Anything can happen, but as of now, it sure seems like Pickens will be a Steeler in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Insider: George Pickens Wants to Stay with Steelers
