The Pittsburgh Steelers have an uncertain future when it comes to superstar wide receiver George Pickens. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Pickens has been incredibly productive, despite playing in an offensive system that didn’t cater to his strengths and dealing with inconsistent quarterback play. Yet, he has continued to prove his worth, showcasing his talent as one of the top young receivers in the league.
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Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens chirps back at fans while tight end Pat Freiermuth tries to calm him down.
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However, despite his impressive performances, some Steelers fans believe Pickens might not be part of the team’s long-term plans. His attitude and effort on occasion have raised concerns, leaving many wondering if he truly fits into the Steelers’ culture. The franchise’s history of moving on from troubled wide receivers only fuels this speculation, with many thinking Pickens could be on his way out after the 2025 season, once his rookie contract expires.
On Monday, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo added fuel to the fire while joining the North Shore Drive podcast, highlighting the team’s need for a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft. In a bold statement, Fittipaldo slammed the door shut on any chance of Pickens receiving a contract extension in Pittsburgh, further intensifying the uncertainty surrounding his future. Fans and analysts alike are now left questioning whether Pickens will remain with the Steelers or move on to a new chapter after the 2025 season ends.
"There’s certainly a need for a wide receiver this year because Pickens, even if he is here this year, it’s only for one more year," Fittipaldo said. "They aren’t going to pay two receivers, $30 plus million, to be on their roster."
The Steelers made a bold move this offseason, trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf and securing him with a lucrative $30 million per year contract. This acquisition is precisely why Fittipaldo believes Pickens won’t receive a new deal in Pittsburgh after the 2025 season.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf speaks while getting introduced to the Pittsburgh media.
With the Steelers investing heavily in Metcalf, Fittipaldo expects the team to focus on addressing the wide receiver position once again in the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling a shift in their long-term plans at the position.
"They are going to need a wide receiver at some point," Fittipaldo said.
Another layer to the Pickens situation is the possibility that the Steelers could look to trade him before or during the 2025 season. If they do plan to move on from him, trading him would allow the team to get something in return rather than letting him walk for nothing. This would be a smarter move if they’re not intending to extend his contract. However, Pickens’ undeniable talent, competitive drive, and 'dawg mentality' are qualities that could still appeal to the Steelers, making it unclear how the organization truly views his future.
Steelers Face Uncertainty With George Pickens' Future While Bengals Set New Precedent
No one can say with certainty how the Steelers will handle Pickens’ long-term plans. Still, many insiders believe it’s unlikely he’ll remain with the team beyond the 2025 season, with some even predicting he could be traded before his rookie contract expires. The Cincinnati Bengals recently made history by committing a staggering amount of money to their star wide receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, but Fittipaldo has little confidence that the Steelers would follow suit, keeping both Pickens and Metcalf on the roster for the long haul.
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Steelers' George Pickens talks with Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase after game.
When Pickens saw Chase and Higgins land huge contracts, he posted a reaction on his Instagram story with two fire emojis. While it's unclear what Pickens' intentions were, it could be his way of hinting that he wants the Steelers to pay him and Metcalf similarly. The truth is, the Steelers might look at what the Bengals did and realize they need to keep up offensively. That could make the Steelers more inclined to work out a deal to retain Pickens. Of course, much will depend on how both Pickens and Metcalf perform and behave in 2025, which will ultimately shape the team’s decision.
