Fowler: Steelers' George Pickens Absolutely "Flirted With A Trade Request"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced an offseason filled with plenty of action. From significant acquisitions to the departure of key players, every move the organization has made has sparked conversations among both analysts and fans. In addition to reshaping their roster through trades, free agency, and the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers have also been navigating contract negotiations with several current players. These discussions have added another layer of intrigue to the offseason, as the team looks to solidify its roster heading into the 2025 NFL season.

One of the players at the center of these offseason discussions is George Pickens, a young and talented wide receiver for the Steelers. Pickens has recently made headlines as a potential trade candidate, sparking speculation about his future with the team. According to Jeremy Fowler, a senior NFL reporter for ESPN, Pickens was at least entertaining the idea of a trade request, a rumor he confirmed during a segment on NFL Live.

"[George] Pickens in the end wants to be in Pittsburgh, sort of flirted with a trade request, but in the end, he loves Mike Tomlin and wants to be a part of things," Fowler shared.

Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickens quickly established himself as a deep threat, accumulating 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns over his first three seasons. His ability to make tough catches and extend the play has made him a favorite target in the Steelers' passing game. In the 2024 season, despite some inconsistencies and a hamstring injury that sidelined him for some time, Pickens led the team with 900 receiving yards and added three touchdowns to his career statistics. His playoff performance included five receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Despite his talent, Pickens has faced criticism for occasional emotional outbursts and perceived carelessness in effort during games. Instances like his on-field frustrations have sparked debates about his maturity.

During the 2025 NFL Draft, rumors began circulating that the Steelers were exploring the possibility of trading Pickens in exchange for a second-round draft pick. The speculation gained traction because the Steelers did not have a second-round selection this year, having traded it away to acquire veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. The potential move was seen as a way to recoup valuable draft capital while reshaping the team’s receiving corps. Ultimately, the trade did not happen, as Pickens remains on the Steelers' roster. According to Fowler's comments, Pickens intends to stay with the team for at least one more season.

Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is set to expire after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season. Although his production hasn’t quite matched the other elite receivers around the league, Pickens will likely be seeking a significant payday in any potential contract extension. With the NFL salary cap rising each year, player salaries are following suit. This growing financial landscape forces teams to carefully assess their roster and decide which players and positions are most deserving of these increasingly lucrative deals.

Several other players on the Steelers' roster are either seeking or have already secured major contracts. One notable example is Metcalf, who signed a five-year, $150 million deal this offseason following his trade to Pittsburgh. On the defensive side, star edge rusher TJ Watt is also approaching an important time, as his current contract extension is set to expire after the 2025 NFL season. With AFC North rival Myles Garrett recently landing a record-breaking four-year, $160 million contract, it's highly probable that Watt will aim for a similar deal, making contract decisions all the more critical for the Steelers' front office.

The Steelers Haven't Made Things Easy for Pickens Early in His Career

Drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft alongside quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pickens has experienced notable instability at the quarterback position during his time in Pittsburgh. Pickett was originally seen as the successor to legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger but ultimately failed to meet expectations. Throughout his professional career, Pickens has never had the benefit of working with a consistent, high-level quarterback, which has likely limited his statistical production. With a dependable and long-term solution under center, Pickens could be poised to elevate his performance and make an even bigger impact on the field.

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