Insider Gives Unexpected Timeline For A Steelers Trade Involving George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not stayed out of the headlines during the 2025 offseason. Most of the conversation has surrounded the quarterback position, but the franchise also shocked the NFL world just prior to the new league year beginning, agreeing to trade for DK Metcalf. The former Seattle Seahawks second-round pick signed a huge contract extension and will be playing in the Steel City for years to come. That had many fans wondering about the future of wide receiver George Pickens. The talented pass-catcher is eligible for a new contract, but with the amount of money heading Metcalf's away, Pickens' time in Pittsburgh may soon be over.

There are a few things to take into account when pondering a potential Pickens trade. For starters, if he leaves in 2026 free agency, the Steelers will probably get a third-round compensatory pick because he would be expected to ink a huge contract with another organization. A team seeking a trade would have to be expected to be bad in 2025, leading to a high third-round selection in 2026, or, Pittsburgh could simply ask for a second-rounder for Pickens.

The Steelers could also just let the wideout play out the final year of his rookie contract and slap him with the franchise tag him if the decision is made that he should be kept around. This was most recently seen with Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals. A lot of different scenarios are on the table when it comes to the 2022 second-round pick.

On Wednesday, however, team insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Gerry Dulac, held one of his weekly fan chats. Someone chimed in and asked about when the reporter could see a Pickens trade happening. Dulac responded with an extremely simple answer.

"2025," Dulac wrote.

While there was no specificity with Dulac's prediction, he is more plugged into the internal workings of the organization than most. When a possible deal could occur is anyone's guess. There is the night of the 2025 NFL Draft that could lead to some conversations. Pickens could also hold in (or out) come training camp as he seeks a new deal. This could lead to a trade. There's always the possibility of something occurring near the trade deadline midseason, too.

Going out and giving up a second-round pick, along with a boatload of cash, for Metcalf should lead one to believe that Pickens' time with the Steelers is nearing an end. It would be fascinating to see both he and Metcalf playing in the same offense, but the two personalities might not mix in Pittsburgh. While Pickens' stock is still high, it could be the right move to quietly shop him in 2025, instead of in the 2026 offseason after a franchise tag.

Pickens has all the talent in the world, but has proven time and time again that he is a bit emotional on the field and on the sidelines. He has consistently stirred the pot during media interviews and lived up to the reputation that he developed in college.

Time will tell what Pittsburgh decides to do, but it is becoming increasingly more likely that the talented pass-catcher ends up getting dealt soon. The compensation will be crucial; however, because he should earn the team a high compensatory pick if he leaves via free agency in 2026.

Steelers Are Likely Already Decided On Pickens After Metcalf Trade

The decision to trade for another star-caliber wide receiver should allude to the fact that those in Pittsburgh's front office don't expect to extend Pickens any time soon, or at all. He is an awesome talent, but sometimes creates too many negative headlines. If the team does anticipate him being gone in 2026 and beyond, it absolutely makes sense to try and swindle another organization into passing along a second-round pick for him.

Do you think that the Steelers will trade Pickens in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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