Steelers' George Pickens Must Sure Up This One Key Part Of His Game To Be Elite In 2024: "That's What No. 1 WRs Do"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely still on the hunt for another elite wide receiver this offseason. This has left many questioning how well George Pickens, who is entering his third year, will be able to handle the duties and pressure that come with being the top receiver on this new offense if the team doesn't come through with more help. 

During Pickens' first two seasons, he worked alongside Diontae Johnson, who was traded to the Carolina Panthers at the start of the 2024 offseason. While there were questions about the two feeding off each other and displaying some less-than-desirable behaviors, the talent that Pickens possesses is hard to deny. 

In insider Ray Fittipaldo's popular chat column, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter recently answered a question about Pickens. A fan wanted to know why there was so much doubt surrounding Pickens, especially because he has shown to be excellent at reeling in contested catches. Pickens' talent has been squandered the past few years since he had "below average" quarterbacks and an "amateur coordinator." Fittipaldo reminded that Pickens is being compared to all the other receivers in the league, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a part to play. 

"Many No. 1 WRs across the league are more consistent than Pickens," wrote Fittipaldo in his chat. "Yes, he had some big games, but he was quiet in others. Was that due to the QB situation? Probably, but he has to find ways to contribute on a more consistent basis. That's what No. 1 WRs do in my opinion."

Pickens will have nowhere to hide in 2024, especially because the Steelers unloaded all of last year's quarterbacks, including Kenny Pickett, and brought Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on board. They also fired Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada and hired Arthur Smith. Pittsburgh's new Wide Receivers Coach, Zach Azzanni, has said that he believes Pickens has unlimited potential. The organization has set him up to succeed and given him everything he wants; all he has to do is grab it, said Azzanni.  

However, Azzanni also recognizes that Pickens has untapped abilities that he needs to channel. Coming into the league, Pickens arrived with some question marks. He had an ACL injury in 2021 while at the University of Georgia, limiting his college playing time. That injury and questions about his demeanor caused him to drop down the draft board. 

This allowed the Steelers to pick him up in the second round. He had a strong rookie showing, with 801 yards and four touchdowns. Then, in his sophomore season, he added 1,140 yards and five more scores. 

Fans expressed frustration with Pickens' and Johnson's "diva-like" behaviors. Pundits called for one or both of them to be traded or released. After Pickens outscored Johnson in 2022 and totally surpassed him in 2023, it was easier for fans to move on from Johnson. 

Steelers Seem Less And Less Likely To Sign A Big-Name Wide Receiver 

When the Steelers first restructured Alex Highsmith's contract to free up cap space, rumors ran wild that they were going to sign a big-name receiver to partner with Pickens, like Brandon Aiyuk. The San Francisco 49ers and Aiyuk have not been able to agree on his contract going forward, and this has kept hope alive for fans of the Black and Gold to make a move.

But former Steelers safety and current ESPN analyst, Ryan Clark has reported that the 49ers and Aiyuk are still discussing their options. While this doesn't mean the door is totally closed, it does make it seem more likely that they will continue to try and find a way to appease their star receiver. 

This leaves a few other options for the Steelers: they could sign another receiver to support Pickens, or they could trust in the group they currently have assembled. Many feel that the franchise is more likely to sign a lesser-known, but still impactful player, while others think that tight end Pat Freiermuth will be the second "receiver" they rely upon. 

What do you think about Pickens? Will the Steelers sign or trade for another top receiver option? Click to comment below. 

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