George Pickens Trade Request Rumor Updated By Steelers Insiders

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.