Pittsburgh, PA – April 9, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers have churned through their roster this offseason, and George Pickens’ name keeps popping up as a potential casualty. With seismic shifts shaking the Steel City, the star wideout’s days in black and gold look numbered.
Pickens has been a lightning rod—fiery sideline spats and a hunger for targets have kept him in the headlines. It’s a fair crave: the 24-year-old hauled in 59 catches for 900 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2024, proving he can shine even with spotty quarterback play. But after a playoff exit, those demands are front and center. This is a PREDICTION, not a REPORT!
The rumor mill’s been relentless since free agency kicked off, with the Arizona Cardinals pegged as a suitor in trade talks. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell floated a deal sending Pickens and the No. 21 pick to Arizona for the No. 16 pick, a fourth-rounder, and WR Michael Wilson—a package signaling Pittsburgh’s ready to cash out.
Keeping Pickens, locked in until 2025 on his $6.75 million rookie deal, seems smart, but there’s a world where he wants out. The Steelers nabbed D.K. Metcalf from Seattle, and with Najee Harris, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson gone, Pickens’ role feels squeezed—could he be eyeing a fresh start?
His 2024 playoff run—10 catches, 147 yards—boosted his stock, but post-game gripes hinted at unrest. “We need more passes,” he told reporters after a wild-card loss, slamming his helmet in frustration. It’s not whining—it’s a star craving the spotlight after years of QB chaos.
Pickens’ journey from a 4-12 Georgia rookie to a Steelers standout (2,841 career yards) was a win, but now he’s chasing personal glory. “I thought playoffs would feel bigger,” he admitted on a podcast, echoing a lack of fulfillment that’s got fans buzzing—does he want a bigger stage?
Trading Pickens could net a first-rounder—Metcalf fetched a second-rounder as a free agent-to-be, so Pickens warrants more. GM Omar Khan’s stayed tight-lipped, but moving a fan-favorite mid-rebuild risks backlash—unless Pickens forces the issue.
Could Pittsburgh draft Luther Burden III to ease the sting? The Missouri star’s 2023 brilliance (1,200+ yards) offers a WR3 spark beside Metcalf and a new QB—Rodgers or a rookie like Jaxson Dart. Either way, Pickens’ Steelers saga seems done—his future’s elsewhere.
