George Pickens Trade Request Rumor Updated By Steelers Insiders..
The drama surrounding George Pickens in Pittsburgh features another chapter from media gossip.
The media can’t quite wrap its collective head around how it’s going to happen.
But there seems to be an agreement.
It’s going to happen.
The drama surrounding George Pickens in Pittsburgh has been impossible to ignore. While his talent is undeniable, the lingering question remains: Is he a culture fit for the Steelers?
With DK Metcalf now in the picture, the chances of Pickens being moved have only increased.
Right?
The Steelers were already open to dealing Pickens last year, actively listening to trade offers before ultimately keeping him due to a lack of receiver depth. There was more talk of the same around draft time, when we know the Dallas Cowboys discussed the idea of trading for him.
What’s the latest?
Conflicting reports, of a sort.
From James Palmer:
“His time in Pittsburgh in a lot of people’s minds is limited, mine included … It has not gone well behind the scenes between George Pickens and the Steelers and everybody involved.”
From Gerry Dulac:
“I do not expect him to be here beyond this year. They will not give him a second contract. They have until November if they want to trade him …”
From Jeremy Fowler, with a twist …
“I was told Pickens, in the end, wants to be in Pittsburgh. Hs sort of flirted with a trade request, but in the end, he loves Mike Tomlin and wants to be a part of things.”
And even that last one sounds shaky.
Now, with Metcalf stepping in as a legitimate WR1, Pittsburgh has a stable foundation at the position.
Pickens, despite his upside, has been inconsistent. In 2023, he posted 1,140 yards and five touchdowns but ranked outside the top 50 in catch percentage (57.2%) … though you could certainly attribute this to some less than ideal quarterback play thats plagued his young career there.
From purely a product perspective, watching two of the freakiest athletes in the world catch passes from a player like Aaron Rodgers would be a treat.
But Rodgers isn’t here.
And Pickens might not be here long-term.
Pickens’ frustration with the offense and his social media antics have only fueled speculation that Pittsburgh might move on before his rookie contract becomes a concern.
If the Steelers don’t trade him now, they risk losing leverage down the road. So to some, the writing is on the wall … Pickens’ time in Pittsburgh may be coming to an end.
Mike Fisher..
Steelers rumors: Why George Pickens’ time with Pittsburgh is ‘limited’..
The Pittsburgh Steelers and George Pickens appear to be moving closer to a divorce. One NFL insider says Pickens’ days are numbered there.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be inching closer to trading George Pickens, according to Steelers Depot. Pittsburgh and Pickens apparently have a rocky relationship, and the franchise is reportedly looking to move him.
“His time in Pittsburgh, in a lot of people’s minds, is limited,” NFL Insider James Palmer said per Bleacher Report, and reported by Steelers Depot.
Pittsburgh recently brought in wideout DK Metcalf, to help out the wide receiver room. Palmer said it is not likely that the Steelers will pay big money to both Metcalf and Pickens this coming season.
“All signs point to a departure of George Pickens at some point before the 2026 season,” Palmer added. “Whether that’s some point between now and the start of the season. I don’t see a trade happening right now.”
Pickens finished the 2024 season with 900 receiving yards. Pittsburgh limped into the AFC Playoffs, before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round.
The 2025 season brings a lot of pressure to the Steelers..
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin enters the 2025 season with a bit of a hot seat under him. Fans are very frustrated that the team hasn’t made a Super Bowl in more than a decade, and many want Tomlin gone.
Tomlin will have to find a way to win. He enters the offseason with questions about who will start at quarterback. The Steelers currently have rookie Will Howard, Skylar Thompson and veteran Mason Rudolph. Many NFL analysts believe that room is not strong enough to make a postseason run.
Pittsburgh has also been flirting with Aaron Rodgers, but the two sides have not reached a deal. Rodgers would most likely become the immediate starter for the team.
No matter who the quarterback is, Pittsburgh will need weapons for him to throw to. Steelers general manager Omar Khan has said previously the team would keep both Metcalf and Pickens.
“We’re excited to have George and DK here,” Khan said in a video posted to the team’s YouTube page.
That statement clearly contradicts this latest report. Time will tell what happens moving forward with Pickens and Pittsburgh.
