The Pittsburgh Steelers might not be done making big moves at wide receiver. After pulling off the blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf, questions immediately surfaced about George Pickens’ future — and now, those whispers are getting a little louder. With Pickens entering the final year of his rookie deal and no public extension talks on the table, the franchise’s next move could come in the NFL Draft.
There’s growing speculation that the Steelers could use a Day 2 pick on a wideout — one who not only complements Metcalf but potentially replaces Pickens entirely if he’s traded. Based on the latest buzz, that replacement might already be on Pittsburgh’s radar, and he’s no slouch when it comes to production.
Steelers Could Eye Rookie in NFL Draft With George Pickens on Limited Time
NFL insider James Palmer told it like it is when breaking down the situation on Bleacher Report’s “NFL Insider Notebook” podcast.
“There’s a lot of people who believe George Pickens’ time is limited,” Palmer said. “It’s why they did the DK deal. It’s why they paid DK what they did. You don’t pay both of them that. Do they look for a high-volume No. 2 guy like a Jayden Higgins? Man, would they love to have him. I know they would love to have him.”
Higgins, a 6-foot-4, 214-pound wideout from Iowa State, hauled in 28 touchdowns over his college career. He has the kind of frame, red-zone presence, and physicality that fits what Pittsburgh typically covets. PFSN’s lead NFL analyst, Dalton Miller, called Higgins the “mid-round darling” of the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Higgins may not be the flashiest receiver in the class, but he’s reliable, strong at the catch point, and doesn’t shy away from contact. More importantly, he’s cost-controlled — something Pittsburgh values as it retools around a new-look offense.
The Pickens situation has been one of the more intriguing storylines in Pittsburgh this offseason. Talented as he is, the 24-year-old receiver has been the subject of trade rumors and concerns about maturity. With the team committing long-term money to Metcalf and still figuring out its quarterback situation, moving on from Pickens before his price tag spikes may make too much sense — especially if they can land a promising replacement like Higgins on Day 2 or early Day 3.
The Steelers haven’t tipped their hand publicly, but the moves they’ve made — and the ones insiders are predicting — suggest they’re preparing for a possible post-Pickens future. Whether that starts on draft weekend or down the road, Higgins could be the first piece of that puzzle.