Pittsburgh Steelers former second-rounder wide receiver George Pickens will likely be on the trade block this upcoming NFL Draft. According to Pro Football Focus, the wideout’s days with the Steelers could be numbered since trading for DK Metcalf. Pickens is coming off his best season last year, recording a 79.7 PFF receiving grade, but that doesn’t mean his job is safe. The wide receiver might be fighting for his starting role even though the Steelers made it clear that it’s not.
Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product is entering the last year of his rookie deal. It’s crunch time for the Steelers, as the team will have to figure out next off-season how to pay him. Most likely, the team might not have enough financial liberty to give him the best deal for him to re-sign, so it shouldn’t be surprising if he leaves after this upcoming season. Pittsburgh probably won’t give Pickens the contract that Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in Cincinnati got, so it shouldn’t be surprising if the team listens to trade offers during the NFL Draft.
Pickens is expendable, no matter how much the Steelers want this duo to work out. Pittsburgh would want to avoid any locker room distraction from the two wide receivers as both have tendencies to stir the pot. The past few seasons have been drama from Pickens as well, especially on the sideline, similar to how the Steelers let go of Diontae Johnson due to effort issues. These two contenders might pursue the wideout in this year’s draft.
2025 NFL Draft: Former Second-Round Pick George Pickens On Trade Block – Chargers, Chiefs Top Fits
New Start in LA
The Los Angeles Chargers were looking into trading for DK Metcalf this offseason, but they couldn’t meet the asking price for the Seahawks, so the better deal came out of Pittsburgh. However, the team needs a long-term consistent playmaker to help quarterback Justin Herbert in the aerial attack, who has been on fire the past few seasons. The only thing that’s stopping him is an elite wide receiver, so Jim Harbaugh must figure out how to help Herbert, and it could be right in front of them.
Meanwhile, he wants to build a ground game for Herbert, but if they want to win in the postseason, it’ll take more than running the football. George Pickens might have locker room issues, but at least the Chargers will have an answer to finally give him the spotlight he might want. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey won’t lose any playing time, but he would get better if the Chargers sign Pickens.
Super Bowl Run
Meanwhile, the wide receiver room for the Kansas City Chiefs looks complicated this offseason. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice will only be effective if they can find a way to be on their best behavior. Marquise Brown is coming back, but it’s only to win a Super Bowl and may sign himself out elsewhere for a long-term deal. After losing DeAndre Hopkins, it’s time for the Chiefs to find a wide receiver who will stay around.
Pickens is the perfect fit for the Chiefs since they always figure out how to get past the off-field issues and help him become effective. He might not get the spotlight here, but Pickens will likely be opening signing with the Chiefs if it means a legitimate Super Bowl run.
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