Pittsburgh, PA – April 27, 2025. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has made a stunning move, proposing a contract restructure that slashes his salary by a third to remain with the team, sources told ESPN Monday. The bold gesture, aimed at easing the Steelers’ cap crunch, underscores Pickens’ desire to call Pittsburgh home.
Pickens, 24, is in the final year of his rookie deal, carrying a $4.2 million cap hit for 2025. Facing free agency in 2026 and trade rumors linking him to Seattle and New England, he offered to cut his base salary by $1.4 million, saving the Steelers’ $2 million cap space for key additions like a quarterback or running back.
This is my home—I’m all-in, Pickens told 93.7 The Fan.
General manager Omar Khan, known for blockbuster trades like DK Metcalf’s, shocked Pickens and fans with his response: a firm rejection of the restructure, coupled with a commitment to negotiate a long-term extension instead. Khan’s stance, prioritizing Pickens’ value over short-term savings, left the receiver and Steeler Nation reeling.
George is our future, not a discount, Khan said at a press conference.
Pickens’ 900 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, paired with Metcalf’s 1,360, form the NFL’s premier WR duo. His loyalty, rooted in viewing Pittsburgh as family, contrasts with earlier sideline antics, earning praise from coach Mike Tomlin for maturity and team-first mentality.
He’s growing into a leader, Tomlin told reporters.
Khan’s refusal stunned fans, with Reddit and X buzzing over his gamble to extend Pickens at a projected $23 million annually, per Spotrac. The move risks cap strain but signals confidence in a Super Bowl push, leveraging Pickens’ 14.2 yards per catch alongside Metcalf and Kyle Pitts.
Khan’s playing chess, not checkers, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said.
As the Steelers chase an eight-year playoff win drought’s end, Pickens’ selfless offer and Khan’s bold rejection redefine the team’s trajectory. With draft picks like Quin Ewers fueling hope, Pittsburgh’s WR cornerstone remains, poised to ignite Acrisure Stadium in 2025.
