Jeremiah: Steelers’ George Pickens Expected To Struggle As Wide Receiver One: “Best Complements As A Number Two”

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant decision early in the offseason by trading away their star wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. Reports suggested that Pittsburgh had grown weary of the issues Johnson was causing within the organization. When the opportunity arose to acquire defensive back Donte Jackson in return, the decision was a no-brainer for the team.

This move has left many Pittsburgh fans concerned about the state of the wide receiver room. The Steelers have George Pickens, who has been outstanding in his first two seasons in the NFL. Pittsburgh expects Pickens to shoulder the offensive load and lead the unit. Many Steelers fans have watched Pickens make incredible catches and explosive plays. In 2024, Pickens is expected to receive more targets and be a focal point in the offense.

However, not everyone is convinced that Pickens can be the number one wide receiver. NFL reporter Daniel Jeremiah discussed the league's best and worst wide receiver rooms on his podcast, Move the Sticks. When addressing Pittsburgh's situation, Jeremiah mentioned Pickens, stating that he believes Pickens is best suited as a number two wide receiver.

"I think when you look at George Pickens, I think he best complements as a number two who's going to give you the big explosives," Jeremiah said. "But I think it's going to be a little bit inconsistent, a little bit up and down. I think he profiles perfectly as a number two receiver there."

In his role as the second receiver, Pickens thrived. While Jeremiah makes a valid point, it's premature to label Pickens as best suited for the second spot without seeing him as a true number one in the NFL. The Steelers have been linked to numerous wide receiver trades this offseason. Jeremiah suggested that Pittsburgh should invest in acquiring a star wide receiver to support Pickens.

"And then they had some role players, you know, Van Jefferson role player. I think Roman Wilson kind of uses a gadget guy, jet sweeps, things like that. I think they'll know how to use him. But I do think that of these teams, man, Pittsburgh Steelers, they have the room for it, both money wise and position wise, here for a number one to bring in the room."

Jeremiah acknowledged that Pittsburgh has excelled at finding and developing wide receivers through the draft. Over the years, the Steelers have consistently cultivated exceptional homegrown talent at the position. However, Jeremiah believes that Pittsburgh would benefit most from acquiring a true number one wide receiver to place ahead of Pickens.

"They do have it, and they've been really really good at developing their own. But having that one guy, an established veteran, that can come in and maybe slide into the number one role while Pickens is kind of serving that apprenticeship might be something that the Pittsburgh Steelers want to do. Because remember, they want to run the football and they're trying to revive Russell Wilson and Justin Fields' career. At some point, you still want playmakers on the perimeter that can help all of those things be accomplished."

Throughout the offseason, Pittsburgh has been actively exploring wide receiver trades, with the San Francisco 49ers emerging as a key potential partner. The 49ers have struggled to retain all their playmakers, making the talented veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk a prime target. 

Aiyuk has expressed discomfort with his situation in San Francisco, even stating that the organization told him they don't want him back, though the 49ers have publicly stated they would love to keep him.

Steelers Are Reportedly Still Working To Trade For Brandon Aiyuk

The possibility of acquiring Aiyuk has excited Pittsburgh fans all offseason. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has been making bold and unconventional moves, signaling a shift in Pittsburgh's approach. For the first time in a long time, Pittsburgh is eager to invest heavily in building a winning roster. The wide receiver position remains a concern for fans, and completing a trade for Aiyuk would set the Steelers up for an exceptional offensive season.

However, trading for Aiyuk won't be easy. Pittsburgh would need to give up significant assets and pay Aiyuk a substantial salary, likely between $25-$30 million annually. While the Steelers reportedly aren't worried about the cost of Aiyuk's salary, they are concerned about what they would need to give up to acquire him. Steelers fans will continue to watch and see if Pittsburgh can make a big move at wide receiver. If not, Pickens is set to step into the number one wide receiver role for the first time in his young career.

#SteelerNation