Steelers' George Pickens' Growth In Doubt After Captivating Statement From Art Rooney II

Pittsburgh Steelers fans will be talking about a lot of major decisions from the organization during the 2025 offseason. Potential coaching changes, the quarterback situation, and roster moves will all be major talking points. A huge point of contention will be the future of controversial wide receiver George Pickens, who becomes eligible for a contract extension during the 2025 offseason, but is a name that will be mentioned in trade rumors consistently. Many believe it is time for Pickens and the organization to part ways, while others are optimistic about the wide receiver in Pittsburgh.

There is no doubt that Pickens has a ton of talent and he can be a top-flight wide receiver in the NFL, but he certainly has some maturing to do. This is something the coaching staff has been saying ever since he was drafted in 2022, yet he still has moments that makes some question whether or not he is a team-first player. 

Team President Art Rooney II spoke to the media on Monday, and he was asked about the future of Pickens. He didn't mention an extension, but he did share that the organization will not stop working to get Pickens to reach his full potential.

It is clear the organization has some doubt about Pickens moving forward, and whether or not he can become the wide receiver the team needs him to be. There has been too many occasions this far in his career where the young receiver has hurt his team in the middle of games. He consistently gets fined for his actions, and costs the offense valuable yardage with senseless penalties.

The future of Pickens in Pittsburgh could also ride on some other offseason moves made by the organization in 2025. If they acquire enough talent at the position through free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft, Pickens could very well be on the move. It is unlikely the organization decides to extend him after what he has shown through his first three seasons, as Pickens could sometimes be seen as a liability on the field.

Wide receiver is undoubtedly one of the Steelers' weakest positions. The franchise is not in the position to trade Pickens away without having a sure-fire backup plan. Rooney's statement made it seem like some of the team brass will be working with Pickens during the offseason, in an effort to get the wide receiver to mature and reach his full potential. If that doesn't happen, it likely means the end of Pickens in Pittsburgh.

Steelers' George Pickens Has Not Been Held Accountable Since Arriving In Pittsburgh

Pickens' immaturity has not been aided by the coaching staff since he arrived in Pittsburgh. A report came out after the Steelers' season ended about how the wide receiver is consistently late to team events, including games. This kind of behavior has been going on since his rookie season in 2022, yet it hasn't been stopped. This is a direct indictment on Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who seems to be oblivious to these issues.

If this issue had been addressed earlier in Pickens' career, maybe he would be showing more signs of maturity as he heads into his fourth season in the NFL. The fact that the organization allowed this behavior to continue is ridiculous, and it has hindered how Pickens is viewed by the fan base and the media. Hopefully Rooney stays true to his word and attempts to help Pickens reach his full potential, but that seems like a long shot.

What do you think about Rooney's comments regarding Pickens? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation