Reporter hints Steelers still mulling George Pickens' future

Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" is among Pittsburgh Steelers insiders who think Pittsburgh will hold onto wide receiver George Pickens for at least one more season. Pickens was the subject of trade rumors before the Steelers gave fellow receiver DK Metcalf a five-year contract worth $150M as part of acquiring him from the Seattle Seahawks.

During a recent appearance on the "Breakfast with Benz" podcast, Steelers reporter Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review indicated the club is keeping its options open regarding Pickens' future leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft that gets underway on April 24. 

"I don't think it's a foregone conclusion," Rutter said about Pickens possibly being on Pittsburgh's roster in Week 1, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "But I think there is definitely a good chance. I mean, I don't think there's any way they extend him. I think you could play out the final season or they trade him. But I think they could still make a move."

Pickens is now in the final year of his rookie contract and is coming off a season that saw him generate more headaches for head coach Mike Tomlin than positive highlight-reel plays. Across 14 games, he tallied just three receiving touchdowns while catching passes thrown by Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. 

Kaboly noted that Pittsburgh keeping Pickens but not signing the 24-year-old to an extension is a "win now" move for a franchise that clearly is hoping to have Aaron Rodgers as its QB1 later this year. However, Rodgers reportedly wants to play for the Minnesota Vikings, and some have even wondered if the 41-year-old would retire if the Vikings elect to start 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy. 

Mike DeFabo of The Athletic previously suggested the Steelers would accept a second-round draft pick in return for Pickens this spring. It sounds like that could remain the case through the final Thursday of April.

"I think by the draft they'll have everything pretty much in place," Rutter added. "I could still see a draft-day trade coming with them to move Pickens to maybe get a second-rounder." 

Those who cover the Steelers all seem to agree that the club isn't locking Pickens down via a lucrative extension anytime soon. Assuming that's accurate, Pittsburgh getting a second-round pick for him could make sense even though the club will be looking to do more than just make the playoffs next season.