Contract negotiations with quarterback Aaron Rodgers remain the biggest mystery surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, but the future of wideout George Pickens is a close runner-up.
Pickens became Pittsburgh’s premier speculated trade candidate as soon as the offseason commenced. Steelers general manager Omar Khan became the franchise’s head of damage control once the blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf, which included a five-year $150 million payday, went down — Khan claimed Metcalf’s arrival would play no factor in the team’s desire to re-sign Pickens. But even Khan’s words weren’t enough to stop the rumor rumblings for good.
Pickens, set to earn $3.6 million next season, is still slated to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Since there hasn’t been much progress on an extension, many from the outside are starting to believe Pickens’ days in Pittsburgh could be numbered, including a former NFL general manager.
“The Steelers are open for business on George Pickens,” an unnamed ex-NFL general manager said, according to 93.7 The Fan host Andrew Fillipponi. “That’s why they brought in (Matthew Golden) for a visit.”
Golden, a top wide receiver prospect coming out of Texas, recently met with the Steelers for a pre-draft workout. The potential first-round selection could be Pittsburgh’s backup plan in preparation for the possible Pickens exit. Golden, 21, clocked in at 4.29 seconds for his 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which was the fastest among all receivers. That caught the attention of plenty of scouts and organizations, including the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams — who’ve all met with Golden.
Pittsburgh’s acquisition of Metcalf could apply pressure on Pickens to perform, but it could also pour gasoline over a potential fiery breakup. Pickens would net plenty of outside interest if thrown into the trade block, so even if the Steelers prefer going with Metcalf and a rookie from this year’s draft class, it wouldn’t be a complete lose-lose situation for Pickens.
Pickens finished last season with 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and even caught some flack from head coach Mike Tomlin regarding his immaturity issues.
“He’s just got to grow up, man,” Tomlin said following Pittsburgh’s loss to Cincinnati on Jan. 4, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “This is an emotional game, man. These divisional games are big. He’s got a target on his back because he’s George, he understands that. But he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.”
