The Green Bay Packers appear to be ready to make an aggressive move this offseason to give quarterback Jordan Love a No. 1 wide receiver. The Packers could break with tradition and take a receiver in the first round on Thursday night.
Their plans on draft night could hinge on trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers over George Pickens. Per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz on Wednesday, the Packers are “serious” about trading for Pickens, who recently unfollowed Pittsburgh on his social media.
A No. 1 WR for the Green Bay Packers?
Via Schultz:
“It’s just not in their DNA to spend that much on two wideouts,” the AFC GM said. “Pickens is more available than people think. Green Bay’s been serious, and they’re not the only ones.”
A high price for George Pickens
However, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com threw cold water on the potential trade. He wrote that the Steelers aren’t shopping Pickens and that it would take a high price for any team to add the 2022 second-round pick to their roster.
“The other major topic that has emerged over the last 24 hours is speculation about George Pickens. From what I’ve heard, the Steelers have received multiple inquiries about Pickens,” Farabaugh wrote. “They have not been shopping for him, however. Sources have reiterated since the NFL Combine that the Steelers, idealy, do not plan to trade Pickens this year, and the plan was to pair him with DK Metcalf, not replace him.
“Pittsburgh also does not plan to extend Pickens this offseason, however, which could cause complications. If Pickens were traded, the Steelers would have to be blown away by an offer. My understanding is that it would have to be at least an early third-round pick if not a second-round pick.”
The Georgia Bulldogs product has recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He had a 1,100+ receiving season in 2023 but finished with 900 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. At 24, Pickens has plenty of talent, but he also has the reputation of being difficult in the locker room.
