Steelers Would Need A "Really Good Offer" To Trade The Extremely Controversial George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced an eventful offseason leading up to this point. This period has been characterized by both notable departures of familiar faces, and the arrival of key new additions to the roster. Furthermore, ongoing discussions surrounding potential contract negotiations with current players within the organization could lead to significant roster adjustments. With the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the potential for further unexpected changes remains a distinct possibility.

Wide receiver George Pickens is among the key players whose current contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the upcoming season, making a potential contract extension a looming consideration for the Steelers. Because of this, rumors have circulated suggesting Pickens could be a trade candidate for the Steelers, as a new long-term deal would likely represent a substantial financial commitment for the organization. 

Aditi Kinkhabwala, a CBS Sports reporter, recently joined 93.7 The Fan to discuss the possibility of a trade involving Pickens.

"I think they would love to be made a really good offer for [George Pickens], but from what I've been told, they are not actively shopping for him," Kinkhabwala said. "Part of that goes back to what I said two months ago. I don't know that there's a huge market for him."

This news regarding Pickens' potential trade availability carries a double-edged sword for Steelers fans, given the wide range opinions surrounding the talented, but sometimes controversial, wide receiver. Pickens, drafted by the Steelers with the 52nd overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, has accumulated a productive statistical record during his career, totaling 2,841 receiving yards, 174 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. Notably, his big-play ability was evident in the 2023 season when he led the entire league in average receiving yards per reception at 18.1.

The details for a potential contract extension for Pickens remain unknown. He is currently under his four-year rookie contract, valued at $6,752,179, which is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. While Pickens has shown flashes of greatness, his statistical output doesn't always align with the league's top receivers, such as AFC North rival Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. Chase recently signed a significant four-year, $161 million extension with the Bengals this offseason. Chase also achieved the rare "triple crown" for receivers last year, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The contrast in production against elite players like Chase adds an intriguing element to speculating what kind of contract Pickens might want in an extension.

The Steelers' current lack of interest in trading Pickens doesn't necessarily eliminate the possibility of a future trade, nor does it guarantee him a contract extension. They have other ways to avoid a significant long-term financial commitment to Pickens. For instance, they could delay extension talks for some time. Also, the Steelers possess the option of using the franchise tag, a mechanism that NFL teams can employ to prevent their top players from departing in free agency by offering them a one-year contract tender. However, it remains uncertain whether the Steelers will even entertain the idea of trading Pickens at any point. 

Another interesting thing about Kinkhabwala's comment is that there is not a huge market for Pickens. Of course different teams have different needs with different skills within those needs, but there is probably a team out there that would have interest in Pickens if the price tag was not insanely high. Especially with the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, Pickens is a player who has experience and a proven ability to make plays. 

Have The Steelers Given Pickens A Fair Chance?

Selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the same year as quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pickens has witnessed significant quarterback turnover during his time in Pittsburgh. Pickett, initially drafted as the heir apparent to Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, did not pan out as hoped, leading the Steelers to acquire veteran Russell Wilson and former Chicago Bear Justin Fields as replacements last year. 

However, both Wilson and Fields have since departed this offseason, leaving a current void at the starting quarterback position. Throughout his Steelers career, Pickens has lacked a consistent, established quarterback throwing him the ball, and maybe with a solid, long-term franchise quarterback, his statistical output and overall impact could potentially reach even greater heights.

Do you want to see Pickens on the Steelers again this year, or is it time to let him go? Let us know in the comments below!

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