Pittsburgh, PA – April 14, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers face pivotal roster decisions as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, aiming to bolster their offense around D.K. Metcalf and a potential new quarterback. A brewing contract dispute with wide receiver George Pickens, however, threatens to disrupt these plans.
Pickens delivered 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2024, establishing himself as a key deep-threat receiver. With his rookie contract—$6.75 million over four years—set to expire after 2025, negotiations for an extension have stalled, creating tension with the front office.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Pickens is seeking a deal comparable to Calvin Ridley’s $23 million annual average.
I’m told George is eyeing a contract that reflects his impact, around Ridley’s range, Rapoport reported in March.
The Steelers, constrained by $2 million in cap space after signing Metcalf and Dallas Goedert, are reluctant to meet such demands for a secondary receiver, particularly given Pickens’ occasional sideline frustrations last season.
Recent developments suggest a split may be imminent. Pickens’ ambiguous Instagram post—“Time to fly”—has fueled speculation about his future, per team sources.
That post wasn’t random; it’s a signal he’s unhappy, an insider noted to ESPN.
The Las Vegas Raiders, holding nine draft picks in 2025, including three in the top 80, emerge as a potential trade partner, according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. They could offer a fourth-round pick to acquire Pickens, addressing their need for a WR2.
Pickens would give our offense a spark, Tafur wrote, citing the Raiders’ depth chart gaps.
Pickens’ 14.2-yard average depth of target aligns with Raiders QB Gardner Minshew’s arm, but his 54.5% snap share in 2024 underscores he’s not a primary option like Metcalf. A trade could allow Pittsburgh to draft a cost-effective rookie, leveraging the deep 2025 receiver class.
With so many talented receivers available, trading Pickens makes sense, NFL analyst Matt Miller argued.
Las Vegas boasts Brock Bowers but lacks a consistent second receiver beyond Jakobi Meyers. Pickens could thrive under new coach Antonio Pierce, though cap constraints may limit further moves if Davante Adams stays.
Pickens’ speed fits our vision, Pierce told reporters last week.
The Steelers’ reluctance to pay Pickens stems from their draft strategy and cap limits. With picks like Tetairoa McMillan projected for Day 2, they could replace his production at a fraction of the cost.
Khan’s eyeing draft value over a pricey extension, a league source confirmed.
Pickens’ leverage is thin—583 snaps in 2024 trail Metcalf’s 1,020. The draft’s depth, including stars like Luther Burden III, dims his bargaining power. He may opt to play out his $1.7 million base salary in 2025, aiming for free agency in 2026.
He’s weighing his options, but a trade feels likely, an agent familiar with the talks said.
Pittsburgh’s focus on a quarterback—be it Aaron Rodgers or a draft pick like Jaxson Dart—suggests Pickens’ exit could fund bigger priorities. A trade to Las Vegas may reshape the Steelers’ offense while offering Pickens a fresh start.
