George Pickens

The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo believes the Steelers should consider trading George Pickens this offseason.

Pickens, always an emotional player, was downright malignant in the Steelers organization in 2024, showing up late to games, screaming at fans, and getting flagged for baffling personal foul penalties. His behavior turned harmful to the team when Pittsburgh quarterbacks weren’t peppering him with targets. Pickens often looked disinterested, even if the Steelers were winning or in a tight game. Following a Pickens sideline meltdown against the Bengals in Week 13, head coach Mike Tomlin said the wideout needed to “grow up.” “The organization needs to learn its lesson and realize if it’s ever going to win a playoff game again, it needs players who at least show up to work on time,” DeFabo said, adding that the Steelers should part ways with Pickens and sign one of free agency’s top receivers. With players like Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Marquise Brown, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, and Stefon Diggs available this offseason, it’s a viable path for the middling Steelers.