George Pickens has been the subject of trade rumors for the past few weeks, as the wide receiver’s on-field ability may not justify his off-field headaches. Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Georgia product has been productive since entering the league and finished the 2024 season with 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. However, this production may not be enough to save his job.
Based on the film and nothing else, Pickens should have been a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. However, attitude issues caused him to fall into the back of the second, and everything he’s done since entering the league has only reinforced that narrative. Infamous for his emotional outbursts on the sidelines, the straw that broke the camel’s back could be what happened on Christmas. The wide receiver reportedly showed up late to their Christmas game, and head coach Mike Tomlin all but confirmed those rumors during his latest press conference.
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin, when asked if WR George Pickens was late to their Christmas game vs. the Chiefs:
“I really don’t know if I have an answer to that. I have a lot going on pregame. I can’t answer that definitively.”pic.twitter.com/x0U4LHMAav
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 15, 2025
This is a damning non-answer. Despite claiming ignorance, it’s hard to imagine a world Tomlin isn’t at least generally aware of when one of his best players showed up. The one-time Super Bowl champion head coach is trying to preserve the second-round pick’s trade value, and nobody should be surprised if he finds a new home next year. While teams that trade for disgruntled Steelers receivers tend to regret it, the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers could roll the dice on the veteran.
Mike Tomlin’s Comments Imply A George Pickens Trade Is Coming
The New Orleans Saints enter the offseason in a fascinating position. Currently drowning in salary cap debt and set to hire a new head coach, most teams would embrace a rebuild and spend the next one or two seasons building a young foundation for sustained success. However, the Saints are not most organizations. General Manager Mickey Loomis refuses to rebuild and will restructure enough contracts to get under the salary cap. However, he won’t be able to afford top free agents, so he must trade to add premier talent to the roster.
New Orleans has holes at just about every position, including wide receiver. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are a fine duo, but Olave’s extensive concussion history puts his 2025 availability at risk. The Saints need another option to support quarterback Derek Carr, and a George Pickens trade could be their most cost-effective choice.
Other Fits
Anyone who watched their blowout playoff loss knows that the Los Angeles Chargers need better wide receivers. While Justin Herbert had an off game, he wasn’t nearly as bad as his box score would suggest. Outside of future star Ladd McConkey, nobody on this offense can consistently get open and catch the ball. George Pickens might have a questionable attitude, but head coach Jim Harbaugh is one of the NFL’s best leaders. If he can’t get the most out of Pickens, nobody can.
The Chiefs may or may not need wide receivers in the 2025 season. While the team currently has adequate weapons for the playoffs, Marquise Brown and DeAndre Hopkins are free agents and Rashee Rice should be suspended for most of the season. Andy Reid and company found a way to keep Tyreek Hill happy for years on end, so they should be able to manage Pickens’ personality.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
