Steelers' George Pickens Could Be Missing Out On A Big Contract If He Can't Figure It Out On And Off The Field

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver issues continue to expand week by week. Pittsburgh still hasn't found their clear cut number two receiver and the mystery of when Roman Wilson will make his debut continues. Now it seems that their star receiver's attitude issues are coming back into the light. 

Joe Starkey of the Post-Gazette, believes that George Pickens is playing his way out of a big contract. With his lack of effort on the field and whatever it is that is going on behind the scenes, he doesn't think that the Steelers should invest a bunch of money and years on him. 

"No blankin' way," wrote Starkey.

Pickens is the clear number one option in the pass game for the Steelers. His talent alone gives him the potential to become one of the best receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately, his antics on and off the field is what's holding him back. The game against the Dallas Cowboys is just the latest example, from his Eye Black message using profanity, to his end of game scuffle with Jourdan Lewis -- it's not getting better. 

Pickens will be due for contract negotiations after this season. The Steelers have the tough decision on if they feel that Pickens is deserving of top end money. He has shown in the past that he can take control of a game (December 23rd, 2023 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Pickens had four receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns to help keep the Steelers' playoff hopes alive), but that has not been seen in the 2024 season. Now with reports that he is showing up late to work multiple times this season and players like Pat Freiermuth taking subtle shots at him, Pickens' big pay day might be a pipe dream.

While Pickens has led the Steelers' in targets by a large margin, he has still yet to find the end zone. In a game that the offense needed him, he was on the sidelines. Mike Tomlin told media that it was load management for their 23 year old receiver, not punishing him. Starkey pointed out that it is laughable that Pickens was placed on a snap count when Cam Heyward, who is 35 years old playing in the trenches, played 72% of defensive snaps. 

Pickens' behavior this season isn't coming as a shock though. An NFL scout said, "There's a lot of upside (with Pickens), but he can't get out of his own way. He's been enabled his whole life." The Steelers have a track record when it comes to moving on from receivers that some might have deemed head cases or bad fits in the locker room, whether trading them or letting them walk in free agency. A similar solution could be in store for Pickens.

The Steelers' receiver will look to turn things around in Las Vegas on Sunday, where he had productive game last season against the Las Vegas Raiders. Finding the end zone will definitely help turn the current narrative, but can he be consistent, not just one game.

Steelers' Pickens Has To Make A Change Before Time Runs Out

If Pickens wants to be a Steelers legend, the attitude has to change. General Manager Omar Khan has shown that he is not afraid to move on from a player that he feels that doesn't mesh with the direction of the team. He sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers that got the Steelers a solid cornerback in Donte Jackson to pair with Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers are in a tough situation when it comes to their wide receiver room, outside of Pickens, their receivers have been inconsistent. The concern of Pickens will continue to grow until he starts showing maturity. 

Do you think Pickens deserves a big contract, or should Khan let him walk when his contract is up? Do you think Pickens will ever figure it out when it comes to his maturity? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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