Russini: Steelers Now Open To Trading George Pickens On Day 2 Of NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter into Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft without a second round pick. They hold the 83rd overall selection in the third round, but that may not be their only pick on Friday. According to multiple reports, Pittsburgh is exploring ways to trade up, with a clear desire to get back into the second round. Whether that means packaging future picks or moving a player remains to be seen, but the buzz surrounding the team’s activity is heating up.

The name drawing the most attention is wide receiver George Pickens. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Pickens has developed into one of the league’s most electrifying young wideouts. But his looming contract situation presents a dilemma for Pittsburgh—either lock him up long-term or explore his trade value before risking losing him for nothing in 2026. The latter option may be gaining steam, especially with teams reportedly calling about his availability.

NFL insider Dianna Russini added fuel to the fire by reporting that the Steelers are still taking calls on Pickens and remain open to the idea of moving him. That doesn’t mean a deal is guaranteed, but it does indicate Pittsburgh’s front office is weighing all possibilities. If the right offer comes along, Pickens could be the high-profile piece that brings the Steelers back into the second round—and reshapes the course of their draft weekend.

"The Steelers have been receiving calls about the availability of WR George Pickens, per sources," Russini said. "Pittsburgh is open to conversations as it navigates Friday night without a second-round pick (traded for DK Metcalf)."

Obviously, trading Pickens would create a significant short-term problem for the Steelers. After acquiring DK Metcalf earlier this offseason to finally strengthen their wide receiver room, Pittsburgh turned one of the league’s weakest units into one of the most dangerous overnight. Now, that promising duo might be broken up before ever playing a single snap together, casting doubt on the team’s offensive direction heading into 2025.

Pickens has been an exceptional talent through his first three seasons, managing to produce despite being stuck in a historically poor offensive system and dealing with erratic quarterback play. His elite ability has never been in question—his body control, contested catch skills, and big-play capability are among the best in the league. However, concerns about his on-field demeanor and attitude have lingered, and it's unclear whether the Steelers truly view him as part of their long-term future.

If Pittsburgh doesn’t plan to re-sign Pickens after this season, the idea of trading him now makes sense from a business perspective. Rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency, the Steelers could capitalize on his value and fetch a meaningful return. While a compensatory pick is likely if he walks in 2026, it wouldn’t come close to matching what a team might offer for a 24-year-old playmaker entering his prime.

Steelers' Relationship With George Pickens Remains Murky

It would be crushing for many fans who have grown to love Pickens, but there’s also a vocal segment of the fanbase that would welcome his departure. The relationship between Pickens and Steeler Nation has been anything but steady—his sky-high talent has dazzled fans, but his attitude and effort have sparked just as much frustration. He's been a wild card since day one.

What the Steelers ultimately decide to do with Pickens remains up in the air, but there’s no question that all eyes are on Pittsburgh as the second round of the draft gets underway. If the team is serious about jumping back into Round 2, Pickens is their most valuable trade chip.

Still, the Steelers won’t part with Pickens unless the offer is too good to pass up. It would take a haul—at minimum, a high second-round pick—to even get Pittsburgh to seriously consider moving on from one of their most dynamic offensive players.

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