The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a tough spot with wide receiver George Pickens, who is entering the final year of his contract but isn't someone the team should bank on for the long haul.
Pickens is no doubt talented and the Steelers would have a big hole to fill if they were to trade him away. However, Pickens is also volatile, to say the least, and has had so many issues during his career that it makes it hard to extend him. With the chance Pickens bounces for nothing in 2026, Pittsburgh could look to deal him.
One team that could have interest in Pickens' services is the Green Bay Packers, a team that lacks a true No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Jordan Love, something running back Josh Jacobs recently pointed out.
In an article suggesting wide receiver trades, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox is of the opinion that the Packers could come calling if Pickens hits the trade block. Knox thinks Pickens will cost a "mid-Day 2 pick" in a trade.
"While Green Bay traditionally prefers to build through the draft, it could use a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and Pickens might be able to fill that role," Knox said.
Knox is right in saying Pickens "might be able to fill that role" as the Packers' No. 1 receiver, but that depends upon how well he keeps his cool. Maturity has been a big issue for the former second-round pick and that's the only thing stopping him from being an elite player at the position.
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Pickens has posted 800 yards or more in each of his three seasons, including 900 in 14 games in 2024. His best season came in 2023, when he finished with 1,140 yards and five scores. Making those numbers more impressive is the fact that Pickens has had abysmal quarterback situations in each season.
That would not be the case in Green Bay, where Love has established himself as the team's franchise quarterback with impressive showings the past two years. If he can get on the same page with Pickens, the Steelers wideout could explode to another level not previously seen.
Aside from his volatility, another concern with Pickens is his contract situation. He is going to be a free agent in 2026 and could end up being a one-year rental. The Georgia product is projected to land a four-year, 94.2 million contract when he enters free agency next year.
The Packers don't have a great cap space situation in 2026 as things stand now, but it's certainly conceivable they can make something work with Pickens if he does enough to warrant an extension in Green Bay.
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