The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active so far during the 2025 offseason, although the most important position in the sport remains in question. There is no telling what will happen at quarterback, but there are some other moves on the roster that could be coming for Pittsburgh. The organization already acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, but more moves can be made as the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer. Something on a lot of fan's minds is the future of George Pickens, as he can be a piece that may be on the move before the regular season rolls around.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' George Pickens points for a first down against the New York Jets in Week 7 of the 2024 season.
Pickens has had some behavior issues over his first three seasons in Pittsburgh, and it seems like a long shot that he will be playing with the organization past the expiration of his rookie contract. The wide receiver became eligible for an extension after the 2024 season, and he will become a free agent after 2025 if a new deal is not reached or he is not franchise tagged.
There is also the chance that Pickens has already played his last game with the Steelers, which could be the case if he gets dealt. Team insider Ray Fittipaldo made an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, and he was asked about Pickens' future. The reporter expects Pickens to be on the roster in 2025, but a lot can happen over the next six months.
"I'll say yes for now." Fittipaldo said of whether or not Pickens will be on the opening day roster in 2025 for Pittsburgh. "But that is totally up in the air."
If the organization decides to stick with Pickens for the 2025 season, and they should, Pittsburgh would have one of the better wide receiver duos in the league. The Steelers have been trying to upgrade the wide receiver room for well over a year, and the team has to see what the offense can look like with both Pickens and Metcalf.
AP
Former Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf runs with the football in a game against the Steelers.
There are a couple different ways to look at the Steelers trading for Metcalf. Some might think that making a move like that makes Pickens expendable, while others think trading Pickens would be counterproductive.
Pittsburgh desperately tried to acquire some high-end talent at receiver ahead of the 2024 season, but the organization struck out. The position group was weak with just Pickens, and the team would be in the same spot with just Metcalf on the roster.
It may be the smart move to try and trade Pickens in order to get additional future draft compensation. If he is not extended he will probably leave after the 2025 season anyway, and the Steelers would be better off trading him for something in return rather than just allowing him to walk in free agency.
Photo by Nick Cammett / Getty Images
Steelers' George Pickens celebrates with his teammates after a big time touchdown.
Steelers Future Plans For Pickens Will Become More Clear After The NFL Draft
All signs point to the 2025 season being Pickens' last in Pittsburgh, but fans should be able to gain some clarity on the situation by watching how the Steelers approach the 2025 NFL Draft. If the organization spends a pick on the position on the first two days of the event, it likely means the franchise has no plans to move forward with Pickens after 2025.
Even if Pittsburgh wanted to get rid of Pickens, the organization would have trouble moving him. His value isn't all that great due to the fact that he is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and his behavior is a red flag for most teams in the league. It is hard to imagine Pittsburgh would be able to get anything more than a third round pick for Pickens, if anyone would even entertain acquiring him.
What do you think the Steelers have planned for the future of Pickens? Let us know in the comments below!
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