Steelers Fail to Trade George Pickens Forward of 2025 NFL Draft Day

When George Pickens unfollowed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Instagram web page, it spoke volumes about his satisfaction with the franchise. It was rumored that the crew tried to commerce the huge receiver forward of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With Pickens within the remaining 12 months of his rookie deal, tensions could escalate as Pittsburgh enters the brand new season. Will he get out of the Steelers’ turf quickly or not?

Maturity Concerns Hurt Pickens’ Trade Value

Pickens’ plain bodily means wasn’t adequate to ensure a commerce. According to Steel City Insider, sources say that points relating to his maturity and emotional stability severely harm his market worth. Even with flashes of brilliance, comparable to his late-2023 breakout video games in opposition to the Bengals and Seahawks, Pickens’ on-field angle seems to be questionable for the crew.

A revealing anecdote was witnessed throughout Pittsburgh’s Week 18 defeat to Cincinnati final 12 months when Bengals gamers apparently heard Pickens complain greater than compete. With an All-Pro in him, such psychological slumps are persevering with to carry him again from becoming a member of the NFL elite.

Pickens’ Unused Potential Is a Risk for Pittsburgh

Selected within the second spherical again in 2022, Pickens has demonstrated he can take over when motivated. He’s reached 1,000 yards as soon as in three seasons and scored merely 12 profession touchdowns, together with a disappointing three scores as a part of the 2024 season. Although inconsistent play from the quarterback place and minimal assist from the offense are partially accountable, Pickens’ troubles have been equally psychological as they have been bodily.

In response, the Steelers traded a second-round choose for veteran DK Metcalf within the hopes {that a} extra strong receiving corps will carry out Pickens’ greatest.

How the Steelers Plan to Manage George Pickens in 2025

Pickens’ state of affairs with the Steelers will probably be one of many dominant storylines main as much as 2025. Certainly, Pickens cannot say he wasn’t slighted by Pittsburgh attempting to commerce him, based on CBS Sports. But he might want to keep targeted if he desires to turn out to be a huge-money participant in 2026.

The Steelers’ failure to draft a large receiver signifies that they nonetheless think about his means. Pittsburgh additionally hopes that Metcalf, and maybe future signings comparable to Aaron Rodgers, are a stabilizing drive each on and off the sector.

Despite the drama, Pickens confirmed emotional maturity final season. His bounce-back sport in Week 13 in opposition to Cincinnati demonstrated his enchancment after preliminary adversity,

If these plans don’t work effectively for the Steelers, they may go for plan B, which is getting Kirk Cousins.