Steelers' George Pickens Is Facing A Big Decision About His Future Between Ending Up Like Tee Higgins Or Diontae Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally secured the wide receiver they have been missing. On the eve of the legal tampering period, news broke that DK Metcalf was coming to the Steel City. Pittsburgh gave the Seattle Seahawks a 2025 second-round pick and worked out a five-year, $150 million deal with Metcalf. Fans were overjoyed to have a player of Metcalf's caliber, but it also raised some questions about the future of George Pickens. 

Pickens, like Metcalf, was a second-round draft pick. They are both dynamic players who have a knack for making contested catches. However, they also both have a reputation for being problem children. Pickens has shown to be a poor sport, who can be selfish and often quits on his team. Metcalf has struggled with penalties, and neither has shown a serious willingness to change. 

Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show told The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan that he was immediately excited about this potential two-headed monster. However, he isn't sure how exactly Pickens will take this news. During Pickens' first three seasons, fans saw him throw tantrums when he didn't get the ball. Now, he will have to share top billing with Metcalf. 

"They are going to have to have a sit down with George," said Kaboly. "'George, you know what we did, what do you think?' If George is all on board, and let's go get it, I think they bring him back. They don't even think twice. Let's go make a run for it. Now, if George comes and says, 'This is not gonna work, I want to be traded,' then obviously they trade him. I think the Steelers would definitely want him back. I think George, if he lets his ego out of it for a bit, realizes he can be an extremely good 'number two,' then they can have something here. If I'm his agent, I'm like Tee Higgins was in the exact same situation. He balled out. He's getting paid a boatload of cash. You can find yourself in that position next year. Or you can be Diontae Johnson and want a trade and now nobody wants him."

When the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson before the 2024 season, most believed that Pickens would step up as a de facto leader on offense. However, his behaviors seemed to escalate - the eye black, not seeing plays through, fighting with opponents, and even being late to games. There was hope of acquiring someone who would "mentor" Pickens, but that always felt unlikely, and it is now hard to imagine Metcalf in that role. 

Many think that going ahead and trading Pickens makes sense, like killing two birds with one stone. The team got their new star receiver and can also go ahead and unload Pickens, eliminating that drama and the potential conflict. Kaboly said if the Steelers do decide to trade Pickens, he doesn't think it will happen until close to the 2025 NFL Daft, or even as a part of a draft day trade package.

Steelers Taking A Step Into A More Modern Era

Fans have lamented the Steelers' "old school" way of doing this for a while. Pittsburgh tends to focus on a strong defense and run game, and hasn't evolved into the kind of pass-happy team most of the league favors. 

The signing of Metcalf could potentially signal a step into a more updated way of operating. Kaboly said that he could see them scale way back on their run game, especially if they keep Pickens. Then they might just stick with Jaylen Warren and a draft acquisition at running back. 

Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl has been getting a lot of credit for his work with the team. He helped the Philadelphia Eagles win two Super Bowls based on his philosophy of building teams from the trenches up. The Steelers have been doing that for the past few years, and it appears to be paying off. 

How do you think Pickens will respond to the Metcalf trade? Comment below!

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