Whereas a plethora of rumors that surfaced all through April claimed that the Pittsburgh Steelers might look to commerce extensive receiver George Pickens earlier than or throughout the 2025 NFL Draft, subsequent reports insisted Pittsburgh by no means got here near finishing such a transaction.
Throughout a Wednesday look on Columbus sports activities radio station 97.1 The Fan, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter instructed that the Steelers would’ve despatched Pickens to a special staff had their asking worth been met in April.
“I feel that they’ve introduced it up,” Schefter mentioned in regards to the Steelers probably buying and selling Pickens, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. “I do not assume that there is a staff on the market that is prepared to surrender what Pittsburgh would want to half methods with a large receiver as gifted as George Pickens. Proper now, I do not view it as viable. That actually might change. I feel Pittsburgh would pay attention. I feel Pittsburgh has listened, and I do not assume something’s come near taking place with him.”
Pickens is within the final year
of his rookie deal and appears unlikely to obtain a profitable extension from the Steelers after they signed DK Metcalf to a five-year contract value $150M as a part of buying him from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason. Some previously said they thought Pickens might basically drive the Steelers to commerce him this offseason, however a recent report revealed that “he truly likes his time in Pittsburgh” due to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin has handled numerous headaches attributable to Pickens since Pittsburgh chosen him within the second spherical of the 2022 draft.
It is believed the Steelers will need to encompass quarterback Aaron Rodgers with as many offensive weapons as doable, assuming Rodgers eventually joins the membership. Nevertheless, that does not imply Pittsburgh will not make Pickens obtainable forward of the autumn commerce deadline.
“I feel the Steelers are open to listening on George Pickens,” Schefter added. “I feel it is not a easy deal to drag off. You are speaking a couple of very gifted extensive receiver, however somebody who has had some punctuality points.”
Briefly, it appears receiver-needy groups might attain out to Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan concerning Pickens’ standing from now by way of the top of the preseason.
