The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering what could be their final season with George Pickens on the roster. He’s heading into the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, and questions are swirling about whether the team plans to keep him beyond that. After giving DK Metcalf a $30 million-per-year deal, the Steelers were expected to pair him with Pickens to form one of the league’s most dangerous receiving duos. However, on Wednesday afternoon, reports surfaced that the Steelers have not only received trade calls for Pickens—they’ve also made a few themselves.
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Steelers' George Pickens looks on during Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Pittsburgh is eager to move on from the talented receiver, but it does indicate the front office is doing its due diligence. In today’s NFL, evaluating the market value of every player is just smart business. While Pickens still offers plenty of upside, the Steelers may see an opportunity to get a return before potentially losing him for nothing in free agency. Trading him now—or in the near future—could help the team recoup assets, especially after dealing away their 2025 second-round pick in the trade to acquire Metcalf.
If a trade does happen, the 2025 NFL Draft could be the most logical time. Pittsburgh currently lacks a second-round selection, and Pickens may be the piece that helps them climb back into that range. Several NFL analysts believe the Steelers could explore draft-day moves to retool their roster while maximizing value for a player whose long-term future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain. Whether or not they ultimately pull the trigger, the mere fact they’re exploring options suggests change could be on the horizon.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers' George Pickens catches a pass against the Ravens in Week 11.
Now, if the Steelers were to move Pickens, what kind of return could they realistically expect? Some around the league believe the market for Pickens is much lower than fans might assume. That’s largely because he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, meaning any team trading for him would be doing so with the understanding that he's either a one-year rental—or they'd need to be prepared to pay him top dollar to stick around. A long-term extension would likely cost upwards of $25 million per year, at minimum.
Beyond the contract situation, there are also concerns about Pickens’ on-field demeanor. While his competitive fire is undeniable, that edge has occasionally boiled over in emotional moments, especially during rivalry games. He’s drawn flags for unnecessary behavior and has faced criticism from Steelers fans who feel he sometimes puts himself ahead of the team. Whether that perception is fair or not is something only Pickens and those in the locker room truly know, but the narrative surrounding him has started to shape his public image.
Adding to those concerns are a few underwhelming performances in primetime games, where the spotlight is brightest. While he’s shown flashes of star potential, inconsistency in high-profile moments may be contributing to a dip in his trade value. Teams considering a move for Pickens will have to weigh his upside against his contract demands and the baggage—real or perceived—that comes with him.
Steelers' Trade Possibilities For George Pickens
The Las Vegas Raiders are the first team that comes to mind. They need help at the wide receiver position, and it appears the Steelers would only consider moving Pickens for the right price—something relatively rich. The Raiders hold the 37th overall pick in the second round, and that alone might be enough to entice Pittsburgh into making a deal.
The Dallas Cowboys are another team to watch. Owner Jerry Jones recently hinted that two potential deals are on the horizon. Once again, the Steelers are only interested in trading Pickens if they receive a return they consider valuable. With their eyes on getting back into the second round, the Cowboys' 44th overall pick could become a straightforward trade option in exchange for Pickens.
AP photo
Steelers' George Pickens looks on during an away game.
Other potential suitors include the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets, among others. There’s likely to be significant interest if Pickens is truly available, but the price has to be right. Based on current reports and speculation, that price seems to start at a second-round pick. If the Steelers don’t receive that level of compensation, they probably won’t move him.
It seems like the trade market for Pickens is going to be worse than many would expect. Making it likely he will end up staying in the Steel City for at least the 2025 season.
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