ESPN: Steelers Are Now Trending Towards A Massive Extension For Playmaker

Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie deal. That means after the 2025 NFL season, Pickens is set to become a free agent. The Steelers will have a major decision to make, especially with $30 million per year already committed to DK Metcalf. While the Pickens-Metcalf pairing doesn’t quite rival the Cincinnati Bengals’ dynamic duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it’s certainly one of the more intriguing wide receiver tandems in the NFL.

With the draft approaching, speculation is swirling around Pickens’ future in Pittsburgh. Some fans wonder if the Steelers could move him on draft night, especially if they’re unsure about a long-term commitment. Others believe the franchise tag is more likely, or that the front office could even work out an extension to lock him in before the 2025 season. While his raw talent is undeniable, concerns about his maturity have led some fans to question whether the team would be better off exploring life without him.

Steelers insider Brooke Pryor added fuel to the conversation during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, saying she still believes an extension could happen sooner rather than later. If the Steelers were to finalize a deal before the season kicks off, it would come as a surprise to many who view Pickens as a potential trade chip or franchise tag candidate. Either way, Pickens’ future will be one of the biggest storylines to watch in Pittsburgh heading into the 2025 campaign and after.

"The closer we get to the draft, the more likely it continues to be that they [Steelers] work out an extension with George Pickens, or that's the route that they take," Pryor said. "So I get the sense that it's still continuing to trend towards an extension, but crazier things have happened. We have seen them happen. But at this point, that's where it feels like things are going."

Pryor is as connected to the Steelers as any insider covering the team. She does excellent work for ESPN and, based on both what she’s heard and what she’s seen, Pryor believes a deal to extend Pickens will get done sooner rather than later.

If the Steelers commit to extending Pickens, it would mean investing significant money at the wide receiver position. However, in an ultra-competitive AFC North loaded with offensive firepower, that might be exactly what Pittsburgh feels it should—or needs—to do.

Steelers' George Pickens' Future Still Not Certain

Pickens is a tremendous talent. Despite operating in a historically bad offensive system that rarely played to his strengths, he’s consistently produced when given opportunities. While he’s had some tough moments—especially in primetime games where his frustration has occasionally boiled over—there’s no denying his upside. When he’s locked in, Pickens is arguably one of the most talented receivers in the league.

Letting Pickens walk would leave a notable gap at wide receiver—one the Steelers could potentially fill—but it would also save them a lot of money. If Pittsburgh is leaning toward moving on, trading him would be the smart play. It ensures they get something in return rather than allowing a premier talent to leave for nothing.

The idea of Pickens and Metcalf on the outside, with Pat Freiermuth working the middle and Roman Wilson or Calvin Austin III battling for snaps in the slot, paints a picture of an offense loaded with firepower and mismatches. If the Steelers can find a way to keep Pickens in the fold, this unit has the potential to be lethal for years to come—assuming they can finally figure out the quarterback position.

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