Steelers' DK Metcalf's Arrival In Pittsburgh Absolutely Leaves George Pickens In Control Of His Own Destiny

The Pittsburgh Steelers solved their biggest lingering issue from the 2024 season with the trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. After enduring a 2024 season where they could not secure a strong wide receiver two (WR2), no one wanted to see that situation play out again, especially with someone as volatile as George Pickens on the roster. 

Metcalf requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, and while the Steelers were reportedly interested, fans seemed surprised they actually brought in someone of his caliber. Pickens will be playing on the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, unless the Steelers offer him an extension. With the addition of Metcalf, Pickens has to decide what he wants his future to look like. 

His recent cryptic post indicated he would like Pittsburgh to offer him that extension, but the ironic thing is that his behavior in 2024 said otherwise. When they traded Diontae Johnson away, the Steelers were clearly expecting Pickens to step up to the plate and become an offensive leader, but that didn't happen. In just one season, he fought with opponents, taunted fans, wore inappropriate eye black, was late to games, and failed to run routes or block for his teammates at times. However, Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette told The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan that Pickens is still in control of his destiny when asked if he should be kept or traded.   

"I think that's probably up to George," said Fittipaldo regarding Pickens' future with the Steelers. "If George is a good soldier and he comes in and he works and he puts his head down and he wants to be a part of this thing, then I think there will be a tendency to keep him. What this Metcalf acquisition does is it gives them all of their options. If they do want to trade George this week they can do that. If they want to trade George on draft day, they can do that. I don't know about a second [round pick]; you'll probably get a third in return for him. Maybe you can turn around and draft another receiver, a guy who'll be here beyond next season."

The Steelers' most significant acquisition of the offseason has been Metcalf. While their quarterback situation is unclear, they knew they needed a big-time playmaker regardless. However, Fittipaldo said if they are planning to sign Aaron Rodgers and want to make a serious run at a Super Bowl in 2025, then they should keep Pickens on the roster to do that. If they are going a different route, it may make sense to trade Pickens before the start of the season. Regardless, the urgency is alleviated. 

Fittipaldo isn't the first person to say that Pickens controls his destiny. He was compared to Johnson and Tee Higgins, who expressed displeasure with their situation and even a desire to leave. Higgins was a "good soldier" and franchise tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals, but his future looks bright. Johnson was mercurial during his final season in Pittsburgh and has struggled to find footing with another team since his departure. 

No Steelers Player Can Reach George Pickens

Pickens' behavior over the past couple of years had fans wondering if they could bring in someone to mentor him. When they acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as quarterbacks for 2024, many hoped the veterans would be able to reach him. However, Pickens seemed to escalate. 

While some fans complain that Head Coach Mike Tomlin isn't disciplining him, there is little doubt that he's attempted to handle it behind closed doors. The reality is Pickens doesn't seem to want to change. He hasn't been motivated so far by pending contracts, fines, or even the words of his teammates, who have all jumped in to try to help him. This leads many to believe there isn't someone who can get through to him. 

Do you think the Steelers should keep Pickens or trade him? Tell us what you think below!

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