Steelers' Omar Khan Gives Big Update On George Pickens Trade Talks

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big-time move to trade for superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Steelers have committed about $30 million a year to Metcalf after acquiring him, signaling a major commitment, and of course, everyone in the Steel City is beyond thrilled about his arrival. Metcalf’s size, speed, and dynamic playmaking ability instantly make him one of the most exciting receivers in the league, and fans are eager to see him pair with the already talented group of pass-catchers in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke on Sunday afternoon to a select group of beat reporters, where he detailed one major difference between Metcalf and the other 6’3” wide receiver, George Pickens. Tomlin emphasized Metcalf’s ability to make plays in a variety of situations, citing his physicality and deep-threat capabilities as elements that set him apart. While Pickens has shown incredible potential, Tomlin pointed out that Metcalf brings a level of consistency and proven success that will be invaluable to the Steelers’ offense moving forward.

On Monday, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was asked about the addition of Metcalf and how it would impact the wide receiver one, specifically Pickens’ future. Khan acknowledged that while Metcalf’s presence would certainly change the dynamic of the receiver room, it also creates an opportunity for Pickens to continue to develop alongside a proven star. Khan expressed confidence in Pickens’ ability to grow into an even more dangerous weapon and stated that the competition would ultimately benefit both players, making the Steelers’ receiving corps stronger than ever.

"No, we need more than one receiver in this league, and we're fortunate to have George (Pickens) and Calvin (Austin) and we're excited about what Roman (Wilson) is going to be," Khan told the media on Monday.

Steelers fans have been grappling with debates over Pickens’ impact, attitude, and effort on the field. While his raw talent is undeniable, there have been moments where his on-field demeanor and inconsistency in effort have raised concerns. His occasional lack of engagement, particularly during stretches of games, has led to questions about his long-term fit in Pittsburgh’s offense.

This uncertainty has made some fans hesitant to commit big money to Pickens after his rookie deal expires when the 2025 season concludes. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Steelers organization will likely need to weigh the potential reward of a long-term contract against the risks associated with his maturity and consistency. In a high-pressure market like Pittsburgh, the Steelers are cautious about locking up a player with potential red flags.

If the Steelers do decide to extend Pickens, they could find themselves in a situation where he and Metcalf could command a significant portion of the salary cap. Both players are highly talented and could be key to the team’s future, but paying top dollar for both could limit the franchise’s flexibility in building a balanced roster. The cap space required to keep these two playmakers together might lead to difficult decisions down the line.

In the end, the Steelers will have to carefully consider not only Pickens’ talent but also his long-term commitment and fit within their team culture. If they can sign him to a reasonable deal that factors in his potential for growth, Pickens could become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offense. However, with so much money potentially tied up in him and Metcalf, the team’s financial flexibility and ability to maintain a competitive roster could be at stake.

Steelers' Omar Khan Sees George Pickens' Determination To Elevate His Game In Pittsburgh

After the season, Khan was asked about the team's future commitment to Pickens, and his response was fairly standard. Too often, whatever Khan, Tomlin, or even Art Rooney II say in those meetings ends up being just talk, so their words should always be taken with a grain of salt. However, Khan did hint at conversations with Pickens about maturity and leadership. He understands that Pickens wants to be great—especially in the Steel City.

Steeler Nation will stay hopeful about the possibility of Pickens lining up alongside Metcalf for years to come and how that dynamic could impact other playmakers like Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

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