Pittsburgh Steelers fans have seen just how great wide receiver George Pickens can be in his three seasons with the team. Pickens is in the middle of his third season and he's having another great year, continuing to showcase his elite athleticism and playmaking ability. His skill set is undeniable, as he regularly makes highlight-reel catches that leave fans and analysts in awe. Pickens' ability to stretch the field and create separation has made him a key component of the Steelers' offense.
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Steelers' George Pickens makes a crazy one handed catch against the Cleveland Browns.
No one questions the greatness of Pickens anymore, but his attitude and effort have remained a point of discussion. During the first AFC North Hard Knocks episode, a clip went viral showing Head Coach Mike Tomlin coaching up Pickens after a frustrating no-call that turned into a pick-six.
This was my favorite moment in Hard Knocks. The “yes sir” is subtle but telling.
— Anthony G. Halkias II (@anthonyghalkias) December 4, 2024
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Some fans debated how Pickens responded to the coaching, but the subtle "yes sir" from him spoke volumes. It indicated that, despite his fiery personality, there’s still room for maturity, and the 23-year-old receiver has the potential to grow and evolve.
Tomlin has even called Pickens out in the past, most notably after the Cincinnati Bengals game, saying he needs to "grow up fast." This highlighted the sense of urgency for Pickens to mature into a complete player, both on and off the field. When Steelers insider Gerry Dulac was asked if Pittsburgh should let Pickens walk after the 2025 season, his eye-opening statement left fans questioning whether the franchise is truly ready to risk losing a player with such immense talent if his maturity doesn’t progress as expected.
"They won't let him just walk away," Dulac said.
That sentiment may be brief, but it’s far from insignificant. Based on what Dulac knows, he doesn’t believe the Steelers will simply allow Pickens to walk when his rookie deal expires after the 2025 season.
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Steelers' George Pickens confused during the Bengals game after being called for a 15 yard flag.
However, Dulac also doesn’t think the Steelers will offer Pickens a new contract during the 2025 offseason, which leaves the team in a tricky position.
Steelers May Look To Trade Star Wide Receiver George Pickens If He Doesn't "Grow Up"
If the Steelers aren’t going to secure Pickens’ future before the 2025 season, it means he’ll likely play out his contract, and the organization will be faced with a major decision. Dulac doesn’t believe the Steelers will let him walk without exploring their options, suggesting that a trade or a new deal could be the only paths forward. Steeler Nation saw what happened with Diontae Johnson and that fate could follow Pickens if he doesn't become a leader.
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Steelers' George Pickens appears angry on the sideline.
Pickens is undeniably talented and a fan favorite, but at times, he has caused headaches for both the coaching staff and fans. New Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni has had a positive impact on Pickens, despite a heated exchange early in the 2024 offseason.
Azzanni’s no-nonsense coaching style should help mold Pickens' mentality in the long run, giving him the opportunity to mature. Surrounded by strong leaders, Pickens has the potential to grow up, and if the Steelers can’t help him do it, many believe no one can. When Pickens was drafted there were plenty of concerns surrounding his attitude. Those issues have been on display during his entire tenure in Pittsburgh. Steelers fans are hopeful he can mature and become a better all around teammate.
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