NFL Draft Expert Believes Steelers Fans Are Focused On The Wrong Wide Receiver's Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base has been talking a lot about the future of superstar wide receiver George Pickens. After the 2025 season ends, Pickens' rookie deal will expire. If the Steelers want Pickens as part of their future plans, they will have to offer him a substantial payday—top wide receiver money. The recent $30 million per year deal given to DK Metcalf makes it unlikely, in the eyes of many, that Pittsburgh would commit a similar amount to Pickens.

However, NFL Draft expert Ryan Wilson joined 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday to offer a different perspective. While many Steelers fans and media personalities speculate that drafting a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft would signal the end of Pickens' tenure in Pittsburgh, Wilson sees it differently. He believes that a move like this may actually signal trouble for another wide receiver, rather than Pickens. That's right, Wilson believes that if the Steelers drafted a wide receiver like Matthew Golden, it would signal trouble for Calvin Austin III.

Wilson's insight challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding Pickens' future. According to him, the potential selection of a wide receiver in the upcoming draft could point to the Steelers looking to move on from someone else on the roster. It’s a shift in thinking that suggests the focus should be on another player’s spot in Pittsburgh, not Pickens.

"Matthew Golden, to me, says we keep both those guys, DK [Metcalf] and George [Pickens]," Wilson said. "Because Matthew Golden's 5'11" probably, and he is legit track-speed, we saw that at the [NFL] Combine. But he was the best wide receiver on that team [Texas] last year... I love the idea of him being the No. 3 WR ahead of Calvin Austin 'cause he's a little bigger than Calvin."

Austin made a strong impression during the 2024 season, recording 36 receptions for 458 yards and four touchdowns. With an impressive average of 15.2 yards per catch, he showcased significant potential. 

However, at 5'9", Wilson believes the Steelers may be eyeing Golden instead due to his larger frame.

"That to me would indicate that you keep George," Wilson said.

While many Steelers fans have varying opinions on Pickens, the reality is that the AFC North is stacked with offensive talent, and the Steelers have often struggled in that area. Pickens' attitude and occasional lapses in effort have led to frustration among fans, with some feeling he’s been taken out of games. But despite these issues, Pickens has consistently made an impact with limited resources, and the Steelers might be intrigued by the idea of pairing him with a player like Metcalf for years to come.

Pickens is undeniably a talented wide receiver, but the Steelers are known for being cautious about committing big money to players with potential off-field concerns. That said, his ability could be enough to convince the team to extend him beyond his rookie deal. Others, however, feel the team should trade him now to maximize his value before his contract expires.

Steelers Might Be Looking To Replace Calvin Austin III

Wilson’s comments add an intriguing new wrinkle to the ongoing conversation. Up until now, most of the speculation has centered around the future of Pickens. However, Wilson offers a different perspective—he believes Pittsburgh could actually be targeting a wide receiver to replace Austin. 

This shift in focus opens the door to an entirely different discussion about the depth and reliability of the Steelers' receiving corps. While Pickens' role as the team's top option has been under the spotlight, Austin's status as a reliable contributor in the slot has flown largely under the radar. If the Steelers feel Austin isn’t developing as expected or lacks the consistency they need, it could explain their ongoing interest in wide receiver additions throughout the draft process.

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