In the post-Ben Roethlisberger era, offense hasn’t been a strength for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over the years, they’ve tried multiple quarterbacks — with no long-term answer. But the team has hit on a few key contributors through the draft. While he’s no longer with the team, Najee Harris was a steady presence during his time in Pittsburgh.
Another name, while controversial, has delivered on the field. George Pickens has become a reliable receiver and a substantial deep threat for the Steelers. But if trade rumors are true, one insider believes there’s a clear minimum return the team should accept.
What Would George Pickens Trade Fetch the Pittsburgh Steelers?
With the Steelers possibly heading into a reset—regardless of how the Aaron Rodgers situation plays out — Pickens’ future contract demands may not fit into their plans. The team could look to move him early and get ahead of that.
If that happens, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shared his thoughts on 93.7 The Fan about what Pickens should fetch in a deal. “They should never trade [George Pickens] for anything less than a third-round pick.”
Since entering the league in 2022, Pickens has been among the few bright spots on an otherwise inconsistent Steelers offense. He flashed promise as a rookie and continued to show growth over the next two seasons.
Last season, he remained productive even as the team rotated between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at quarterback. Despite the instability, the offense — ranked on PFSN’s Offense+ metric — still gave Pickens enough chances to shine as a deep threat.
He finished the year with exactly 900 receiving yards on 59 catches, adding three touchdowns to the nine he scored over his first two years. But with the added drama on the sidelines and elsewhere, Pickens could be playing for a new team by next offseason.
Fittipaldo says the team should hold firm on his trade value — for a simple reason.
“No matter if they do that this spring or the fall, because George is going to sign a big contract next year if he walks in free agency, and at minimum, you’re probably gonna get a third-round comp pick, right?”
The addition of veteran DK Metcalf shows the Steelers want to stay competitive — at least in the short term. And with Rodgers inching closer to a deal, their window could be a season or two at most.
After that, no one knows what Tomlin plans to do with his former second-round pick. Trade rumors are swirling around one of the team’s top downfield weapons. If a move is coming, the starting price could very well begin with a third-rounder.