The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL world on Sunday night by completing a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf. The organization has been looking for an upgrade at the position, and it finally got that in Metcalf. In addition to completing the trade, the franchise also agreed on a four-year extension with the former Seahawks standout, which will keep him in Pittsburgh for the next five seasons. This excited the fan base, but it also makes some fans wonder about the future of George Pickens.
AP
Steelers' George Pickens looks on during an away game during the 2024 season.
There has been trade rumors surrounding Pickens ever since the end of the 2024 season. He is eligible for a contract extension as he is entering the final season of his rookie deal, but it is unlikely he will get a new deal prior to the 2025 season. The talent Pickens has is undeniable, but he has been a distraction at times throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh. After the move for Metcalf, some speculated Pickens would be gone, but NFL insider Jordan Schultz provided some clarity on the Pickens situation during an appearance on FS1's The Facility on Monday morning.
"I have been told as of yesterday that Pittsburgh believes this is the perfect one-two punch," Schultz said. "They'll keep Pickens, they'll pair him with DK and it really gives the Steelers something they have not had. Which is that dominant X receiver down the field."
Based off of what Schultz reported, the Steelers are content to move forward with both Metcalf and Pickens on the roster for the 2025 season. Those are two large personalities to have in the same position group on the same team, but the coaching staff in Pittsburgh should be able to keep both players on track.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (#14) catches a touchdown over former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (#34) at Heinz Field back in 2019.
Metcalf and Pickens are two of the best receivers in the league when it comes to catching a deep ball. They are both freak athletes that can make insane plays, and Metcalf has the speed and physicality that Pittsburgh has been missing at the position.
With the addition of Metcalf, the Steelers should be focused on passing the football moving forward, as the offense has been fairly run-first over the last several seasons. The Steelers have not been that great when it comes to moving the ball on the ground, and it seems like the organization is finally trying to change its offensive philosophy.
Pickens is going to be in Pittsburgh for the 2025 season, and the wide receiver should be playing with a chip on his shoulder. He will be entering the final season of his rookie contract, and he will be playing for a big pay day ahead of the 2026 season. Since the Steelers acquired another big-name wide receiver, 2026 could be expected to be Pickens' last season with the Steelers, but he can still be franchise tagged after 2025.
Steelers Relying Heavily On Roman Wilson And Calvin Austin III
Metcalf and Pickens are going to be great weapons on the outside for the Steelers offense, but Pittsburgh will also need to see some production over the middle. Wide receivers Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III will be relied upon from the slots, and the Steelers are taking some sort of gamble with those two players.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers WR Roman Wilson getting coached during rookie mini-camp.
Wilson has not caught a pass so far in his NFL career, and while Austin has improved each season, he should not be considered a reliable option out of the slot. It is crucial that the Steelers see significant production from this spot in order to open the offense up for Pickens and Metcalf. If Austin can show some more improvement, and Wilson can stay healthy, the receiving corp in Pittsburgh should be just fine in 2025.
What do you think about the Steelers not having plans to trade Pickens? Let us know in the comments below!
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