The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation is going to be a big talking point throughout the 2025 offseason. This is rightfully so as it is arguably the most important position in all of sports, but there are other questions on the Pittsburgh offense that will need answering. The offensive unit of the Steelers has a few free agents that are expected to hit the open market, including Najee Harris, Dan Moore Jr., and both starting quarterbacks from the 2024 season. George Pickens will also be a topic of discussion, as his future with the Steelers is certainly up in the air.
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Steelers' George Pickens takes his helmet off during loss to the Browns in Week 12 of the 2024 season.
The Steelers have been on a mission to get Pickens some help in the wide receiver room. General Manager Omar Khan went all in on trying to trade for Brandon Aiyuk during the 2024 offseason, but the wide receiver wound up signing an extension with the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers had their sights set on Aiyuk, which caused the organization to miss out on other wide receivers in free agency and on the trade market. This left the wide receiver group fairly weak heading into the 2024 season.
Team insider Mark Kaboly spoke about this on the most recent episode of his podcast, Kaboly And Mack. He mentioned that the Steelers should have learned from their mistake, and they won't go into the 2025 season weak at the position again.
"I think they might have learned from that last year," Kaboly said. "I think they learned their lesson the hard way last year that they just can't have their sight set on one guy and just wait for him to make that decision. Anybody short of Tee Higgins, I think I'm really, really thinking or believing that George Pickens will be back. So you better prepare yourself. They're not just gonna dump him and say, 'Let's cut the cancer and just move on here.' They want to at least have somebody in place, and unless you have a guy who is as talented as him, you're not going to do that because all of a sudden that compromises your whole offense. I don't see that happening."
Pickens' antics have grown old, and as he prepares to enter his fourth season in the NFL, it would be completely understandable if the organization decides to cut ties with the wide receiver. However, the front office saw a weak wide receiver group in 2024 and they don't want to see one again. Pickens needs help in that room, and unless the Steelers land a superstar at the position it is likely that Pickens will be back in the black and gold.
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Bengals' Tee Higgins looks on before an away game.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is the biggest name that is expected to be available in free agency. The wide receiver is a special talent, and with the Bengals having to pay Ja'Marr Chase during the 2025 offseason, it is unlikely that Higgins will get a new deal. Higgins is considered one of the better wide receivers in the NFL, and Kaboly mentioned that unless the Steelers find a way to sign him, Pickens will be back.
There is also a world where both Higgins and Pickens are on the roster for the 2025 season. Pittsburgh would have to make a serious financial commitment to Higgins, and he could be half of a lethal duo with Pickens.
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Steelers' George Pickens points for a first down against the New York Jets in Week 7.
Steelers' Must Decide On George Pickens Future With The Team
Pickens becomes eligible for a contract extension during the 2025 offseason, but it is unlikely he will get one. The Steelers must see serious signs of maturity from the wide receiver in order to commit to him financially, otherwise it would likely be a poor investment. According to Spotrac, a new deal for Pickens would look something like four-years, $94.2 million. This would give Pickens roughly $23.6 million per season, which is a good chunk of the salary cap.
What do you think of the Steelers learning from their mistakes? Let us know in the comments below!
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