Should the Pittsburgh Steelers Trade or Keep George Pickens?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering trading wide receiver George Pickens this offseason, a move that has raised significant questions about the future of the team’s receiving corps. At just 23 years old, Pickens is coming off a solid season, recording 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games.
With his potential extension looming and reports indicating that the Steelers may reshape their wide receiver room, the decision to trade or keep Pickens is critical for the team’s future success.
The Case for Trading Pickens
Trading Pickens could provide the Steelers with a valuable opportunity to reset their wide receiver group, especially if they believe a complete overhaul is needed. Pickens’ talent is undeniable, but his relationship with the coaching staff and his involvement in the team’s long-term plans are factors to consider.
The reported rift between Pickens and the coaching staff could create internal issues that ultimately affect his effectiveness on the field. Furthermore, his potential contract extension could become a major financial commitment for the team.
Pickens is likely to demand a lucrative deal worth $25 million annually, a hefty price tag for a player who, while talented, has not yet established himself as a consistent top-tier wide receiver.
Trading Pickens could allow the Steelers to acquire valuable draft capital or a more fitting veteran option for their offense. With Pittsburgh currently in the midst of a rebuild under head coach Mike Tomlin, the franchise might be looking to invest in younger players who fit better into the team’s evolving system.
Dealing Pickens before his contract extension could also prevent the Steelers from being tied to a high-salary contract for a player who may not align with the team’s long-term goals.
The Case for Keeping Pickens
On the other hand, trading Pickens could be a risky decision for the Steelers, especially given the challenges they have faced in recent years at the wide receiver position. Pickens has shown flashes of brilliance, demonstrating his ability to make contested catches and create big plays down the field.
His 900-yard season, albeit inconsistent, indicates that he has the potential to be a key piece of the Steelers’ offense for years to come.
Keeping Pickens would allow the Steelers to retain a talented young receiver who could continue to grow alongside quarterback Kenny Pickett. Developing chemistry between Pickens and Pickett could lead to a dynamic passing game in the future.
Moreover, locking up Pickens to a contract extension may be a worthwhile investment if the Steelers believe he is a foundational player who can lead the team’s receiving corps moving forward.
Ultimately, the decision to trade or keep George Pickens hinges on the Steelers’ vision for the future. If they are committed to reshaping their wide receiver room and believe Pickens isn’t part of that equation, trading him could provide the team with valuable assets to aid in their rebuild.
However, if the Steelers view Pickens as a key building block alongside Pickett, keeping him and securing a long-term deal may prove to be the better option.
Whatever the decision, the Steelers must carefully weigh the potential impact on both their current roster and future trajectory.