Pittsburgh, PA – April 22, 2025. Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has finally addressed swirling trade rumors surrounding wide receiver George Pickens, firmly shutting down speculation in a Tuesday press conference. With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, Khan’s remarks aim to quell unrest among Steelers Nation.
Pickens, 24, has been the subject of trade buzz after a 900-yard, three-touchdown 2024 season, fueled by the team’s blockbuster acquisition of DK Metcalf from Seattle. The duo’s combined 2,260 yards last season positions Pittsburgh’s receiver corps as the NFL’s elite, Khan declared.
We’ve got the best WR tandem in football—no changes coming, Khan told reporters.
Khan’s statement counters reports suggesting Pickens, in his contract’s final year, could be dealt to teams like Seattle or New England. The GM emphasized that Pickens and Metcalf, backed by Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson, form an unmatched passing attack for a new quarterback.
George and DK are our cornerstones, coach Mike Tomlin said.
The Steelers, with a $2 million cap, face pressure to extend Pickens before his 2026 free agency, but Khan dismissed trade talk as “noise.” Pittsburgh’s 19th-ranked passing game in 2024 is poised to soar, leveraging Pickens’ 14.2 yards per catch and Metcalf’s physicality.
This duo’s unstoppable when clicking, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said.
Khan’s focus remains on securing a quarterback, with Aaron Rodgers unsigned and draft prospects like Shedeur Sanders in play at pick 21. Pickens’ retention signals confidence in an offense bolstered by Kyle Pitts, aimed at ending an eight-year playoff win drought.
Our receivers are set—now we build around them, NFL analyst Matt Miller noted.
As the draft nears, Khan’s resolute stance reassures fans that Pittsburgh’s dynamic WR duo is here to stay. With Pickens and Metcalf locked in, the Steelers are all-in for a 2025 Super Bowl run, no trade required.
