George Pickens has established himself as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ top wide receiver in the three seasons since the franchise selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. That appears unlikely to be the case in 2025, after the Steelers traded their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — along with pick swaps in the sixth and seventh rounds — for DK Metcalf and immediately gave him a five-year, $150 million contract extension.
While many speculated that the addition of the two-time Pro Bowler could bring Pickens’ time in Pittsburgh to an end, that also appears increasingly unlikely. Instead, the Steelers appear poised to improve an offense that ranked just 25th in PFN’s Offense+ metrics.
Steelers Reportedly Unlikely to Trade George Pickens
Pickens has been a difference-maker at wide receiver over his three seasons in Pittsburgh. He has recorded 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 174 receptions in 48 career games.
While many believed that Metcalf’s arrival could mark the end of Pickens’ tenure with the franchise, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette claimed that won’t be the case. During a recent Q&A with fans, Dulac was asked:
“Gerry: I hope you enjoyed the Masters. It seems like many analysts and fans hope that we trade Pickens for a second- or even third-round pick so that we can draft an extra DL. Won’t this just create a huge need for another WR2, and does it make any sense to sign Rodgers and not surround him with a top WR corps?”
The long-time Steelers insider responded:
“That’s precisely why they’re not trading him now. Defeats the purpose of adding Metcalf.”
Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan shared a screenshot of the comment, tweeting, “BREAKING: Long-tenured Steelers insider Gerry Dulac says in his PG chat that the Steelers are NOT trading George Pickens. No draft week deal. They’re keeping him. Wow.”
BREAKING: Long-tenured Steelers insider Gerry Dulac says in his PG chat that the Steelers are NOT trading George Pickens. No draft week deal. They’re keeping him. Wow. pic.twitter.com/uY0OKBhM7T
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress)
While many expected the Steelers to move on from Pickens, it’s no surprise they’ll look to hold on to him — no other wide receiver on last year’s roster recorded more than 36 receptions or 548 receiving yards.
Pittsburgh remains without a quarterback after losing both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in free agency. They do, however, appear to be the most likely landing spot for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
While the 41-year-old had a down season by his standards after returning from a torn Achilles, he still threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 63.0% of his passes. He ranked eighth in the NFL in passing yards and tied for seventh in passing touchdowns.
Pairing Pickens, Metcalf and Rodgers together might just be what the Steelers need to get their first playoff win since 2016.
