The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be the talk of the 2025 offseason in the NFL for a multitude of reasons. The most intriguing part of the offseason in Pittsburgh is going to be the quarterback decision, while the future of some other players is up in the air. A player the NFL world will be keeping a close eye on is wide receiver George Pickens, whose talent is undeniable, but he has shown nothing but immaturity throughout the first three years of his professional career.
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Steelers' George Pickens points for a first down against the New York Jets in Week 7 of the 2024 season.
The constant immaturity and distractions from Pickens have had many speculating that the 2024 season was his last in Pittsburgh. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, and it may be beneficial for the Steelers to look into trading the wide receiver. Pickens is eligible for an extension during the 2025 offseason, but it seems like a foregone conclusion that the organization will not be entertaining the idea of extending the receiver.
Team insider Mike DeFabo participated in a mock draft for The Athletic, where he chose to select wide receiver Emeka Egbuka out of Ohio State with the 21st overall pick. His reasoning for the pick was largely based on Pickens.
"Pittsburgh paid the price for never backfilling Diontae Johnson’s WR2 spot last offseason," DeFabo wrote. "Mercurial WR George Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but his tenure in Pittsburgh could end sooner than that, with a possible hold-in or even a trade on the horizon. For that reason, the Steelers need to substantially address their receiver room on Day 1. They can tap into a deep defensive tackle class beginning in the second round."
Most fans have been speculating that the Steelers will be taking either a defensive tackle, wide receiver, or cornerback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. All three are positions of need for the Steelers, but Pittsburgh desperately needs weapons on the offensive side of the ball. This is especially true if Pickens won't be on the roster in 2025.
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Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka looks on during a home game in Columbus.
The Steelers need help at wide receiver whether Pickens is on the roster for the 2025 season or not. There is a serious chance he can get traded by the time the season begins, while the young receiver can also hold-in once training camp rolls around. Pickens is eligible for an extension, and there is the chance that he refuses to play until he gets a new contract.
The possibility of a hold-in, as well as a trade occurring, should make the choice in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft obvious for Pittsburgh. Egbuka is a great option with a ton of valuable leadership qualities, but there should be other names available for Pittsburgh as well at the position.
Steelers Should Look To Help George Pickens
The Pittsburgh fan base should get some more clarity on the chances of Pickens being traded by the time draft night rolls around in April, but as of now, it seems like the receiver will be back in Pittsburgh for his fourth season. That can all change with a hold-in, or Pickens may be content with testing free agency during the 2026 offseason.
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Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens running in for a touchdown after a nice catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 Wild Card Round.
Pickens' talent is undeniable, and the franchise should be focusing on bringing in more weapons to help open up the offense for Pickens. Trading the receiver for additional draft capital is enticing, but if the Steelers want to win now, they will need all the help they can get on the offensive side of the football. Egbuka could be a perfect option to do that. He has proven to be selfless, is willing to block, and is extremely reliable in the passing game. He is also coming off of a victory in the National Championship, which means he has a winning pedigree.
What do you think about Pickens holding-in during training camp? Let us know in the comments below!
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