Steelers Receive Perfect Advice On How To Handle The George Pickens Situation In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers must obtain another strong wide receiver this offseason; there is no way around it. Despite Head Coach Mike Tomlin insisting early in 2024 that the franchise felt comfortable with the group they had, it was clear it contributed to their offensive struggles. That group consisted of George Pickens and several depth pieces. Reportedly, they did try to secure another solid receiver and inquired about players like Brandon Aiyuk and Christian Kirk. Unfortunately, they didn't pan out, and the Steelers' offense, despite a solid start, was thwarted by the better teams they played at the end of the season. 

While they will have to obtain another wide receiver this offseason, the future of Pickens is also unclear. Over the past few years, his antics have caused fans to demand that the team trade him. There is no denying that Pickens has incredible talent, his contested catches and the way he can toe-tap to reel in a ball make him constant fodder for highlight reels. 

However, in 2024, his behaviors seemed to escalate. It wasn't just the pouting on the sidelines anymore; it also involved fighting with players from other teams, challenging fans, showing up late for games or practices, and displaying a lousy attitude. He has always been considered a bit of a "me" player, but that felt even more prominent as he appeared to give up on plays or failed to block for his teammates. The problem is if they trade him, then they need two receivers solid and not just one. 

Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the team will have to decide whether they want to offer him an extension or not before the 2025 season begins. Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show told Austin Bechtold on 93.7 The Fan that he doesn't think they will trade him or offer him an extension. He thinks Pickens could be in the same situation as Tee Higgins from the Cincinnati Bengals.  

"I just don't think they go down the route of trying to trade George Pickens right now," said Kaboly. "I think they will go more the route of what the Bengals are doing. If he does have one of those unbelievable years, you just keep him with the franchise tag, which is, you know, not like it's going to break the bank, but no contract is going to break the bank for a year. That's the way I would go; I would not sign him to a long-term deal this offseason."

The Bengals are apparently planning once again to use their franchise tag on their star receiver. Higgins was already franchise tagged in 2024 to keep him and Ja'Marr Chase together to work with Joe Burrow. While some sources say that Cincinnati plans to work a long-term deal out with Higgins this time, Kaboly thinks Higgins has to be furious. The franchise tag in 2024 earned him nearly $22 million, and for 2025, it will garner just over $26 million; Kaboly pointed out that this likely feels like small beans compared to what he could fetch on the open market. 

While former NFL bad-boy Chad Ochocinco Johnson is guaranteeing that the Steelers won't have any more issues with Pickens, the fan base and the organization can't be too sure. Pickens has proven to be unpredictable in the past. 

Steelers Have Another Tricky Contract Coming Up

The Steelers will also need to decide what to do with Calvin Austin III after the 2025 season. Like Pickens, he will become an unrestricted free agent. Kaboly said Austin presents another quandary, depending on what he does this season. 

Austin has been praised for his work ethic and great attitude, but he does not put up the numbers that support paying him at a high level. Kaboly said he might take a step forward this season and thus earn himself a solid deal. It makes the most sense to let this season play out for him as well. 

What do you think the Steelers will do with Pickens? Tell us what you think below!

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