Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, but the team could trade him before he reaches free agency. Considered a talented prospect with off-field issues entering the NFL Draft, the Georgia product lived up to that scouting report. On the field, the wide receiver can stress receivers vertically with his large frame and led the league in yards per reception in 2023. However, Pickens’ maturity issues have reportedly been a major issue off the field, and NFL analyst James Palmer believes the wide receiver will not return to the team in 2026 and could be dealt at the trade deadline.
Frankly, this report doesn’t come as much of a surprise. George Pickens is a talented player, but there’s a reason these trade rumors have been around for months on end. The recently acquired D.K. Metcalf is a similar player who can easily fill Pickens’ role, so Pittsburgh is already preparing for life without their second-round pick. Steelers receivers tend to struggle away from Mike Tomlin, so they probably won’t get much for the troubled receiver in a trade. However, the following five teams could kick the tires on him if the price is low enough.
Palmer: George Pickens Trade Increasingly Likely
Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have their wide receiver of the future in Ladd McConkey and another high-upside youngster in second-round pick Tre Harris. However, they could use a proven threat on the outside, as former first-round pick Quentin Johnston is nothing special, and veteran Mike Williams looked washed last year. Head coach Jim Harbaugh knows how to handle loud personalities, so he should be able to handle the off-field nightmare that comes with a George Pickens trade.
Arizona Cardinals
Head coach Jonathan Gannon must start winning games if he wants to keep his job. While he inherited a mess, three straight losing seasons will not be tolerated by the organization. First-round pick Marvin Harrison showed promise as a rookie, but pairing him with George Pickens in a trade should give Kyler Murray the tools to succeed. Murray is at his best throwing deep balls outside the numbers, and that’s where Pickens is at his most dangerous.
New Orleans Saints
Second-round pick Tyler Shough will be under center sooner or later, and New Orleans must do something to increase his odds of making it in the NFL. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are a fine duo, but Olave’s extensive concussion history means the team shouldn’t rely on him for a full 17-game workload. While he may not be a long-term with the organization, a George Pickens trade could help Shough develop into the long-awaited heir to Drew Brees.
New York Jets
The New York Jets have one great wide receiver in Garrett Wilson and not much else. George Pickens and quarterback Justin Fields developed a nice rapport during their time in Pittsburgh, which could lead to a trade. With two reliable weapons, an adequate quarterback, and a defense that should improve in 2025, New York might fight for a Wild Card spot in 2025.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys must find another wide receiver to play opposite CeeDee Lamb. Jonathan Mingo was an outright disaster with the Carolina Panthers, while George Pickens is more than capable of challenging defenses. Dak Prescott can easily keep two high-level wide receivers happy, so a George Pickens trade might create less drama in Dallas than in other environments.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – Imagn Images
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