George Pickens’ Pittsburgh future shrouded in mystery as trade rumors, social media jabs stir

Zeno Jo

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George Pickens’ Pittsburgh future shrouded in mystery as trade rumors, social media jabs stir image

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Former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver George Pickens has been the subject of trade speculation in the days leading up to Thursday's NFL Draft, and recent social media moves, along with rumors continuing to bubble up, seem to suggest that the third-year wide receiver is on his way out of the Steel City.

On Thursday, it was pointed out by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports that Pickens had unfollowed the Pittsburgh Steelers on Instagram, perhaps foreshadowing a potential exit on the horizon.

This offseason, the Steelers acquired former Ole Miss wideout DK Metcalf to be their No. 1 pass-catching option, and with Pickens entering the final year of his rookie deal, he was seen as a potential trade piece.

"Trade reports hit a fever pitch in recent days with teams in need of a top-end talent like Pickens potentially going after him if Pittsburgh decides to shop him this cycle," 247 Sports' Brad Crawford said.

Crawford also added fuel to the fire, speculating that the Steelers may deal Pickens to land a franchise quarterback.

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"The Steelers have the No. 21 overall pick in the first round and are projected to use that on a quarterback, possibly Colorado's Shedeur Sanders if he's still on the board," Crawford said. "Sanders mentioned two Steelers wideouts this week when asked to name his top pass-catchers in the NFL."

"I like (Chris) Olave, I like Malik (Nabers), and I like George Pickens and DK Metcalf," Sanders said earlier in the week. "So, whatever that means for whoever is listening." 

Pickens could be paired with the 21st overall pick to help the Steelers move up, potentially to pick Sanders. Sanders is currently projected to go 21st overall by TSN, but the Pittsburgh front office could deal Pickens to secure their franchise quarterback earlier if necessary.

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Zeno Jo

Zeno is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has experience covering South Korean soccer, NCAA sports and esports. Since graduating from the University of Illinois in 2023, he has written for The Champaign Room and Illini Inquirer, among other outlets.