Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers did not trade wide receiver George Pickens during the 2025 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean he’s clear from being dealt. Underdog’s James Palmer believes Pickens could be moved between now and November’s trade deadline.
“I didn’t see — I really wasn’t sold on a [George Pickens trade] happening during the [2025] draft. There was a lot of rumors about that, and I understand the rumors because his time in Pittsburgh, in a lot of people’s minds, is limited — mine included — for several reasons,” Palmer said during an interview with Bleacher Report. “You don’t pay DK Metcalf what you paid him and then pay the other receiver a high-caliber salary. It has not gone well behind the scenes, at all, between George Pickens and the Pittsburgh Steelers — and everybody involved.”
A lot of the conversation this offseason has surrounded whether the Steelers will want to extend Pickens, with some citing his hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, multiple personal foul penalties, and repeatedly showing up late for meetings, practices and games as reasons the team may want to move on from him.
“Steelers give up a 2nd for D.K. Metcalf – DK signs massive contract — Pickens is entering final year of rookie contract – Pickens time with the Steelers has been, politely … an adventure — Steelers have been doing work on WRs,” Palmer wrote on X during the draft.
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.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on NFL Live this past Friday that 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.
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.”
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