Why The Steelers Didn't Trade George Pickens: An Insider's Perspective

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Pickens' rookie season showcased flashes of brilliance, hinting at the high-potential receiver he could become. His exceptional athleticism and raw talent made him an attractive commodity, especially given the high demand for talented wide receivers in today's NFL. This context makes the Steelers' decision to retain him all the more intriguing. This article will explain why the Steelers ultimately decided against trading their promising young star.

Pickens' Potential: Too Valuable to Let Go

High Ceiling and Future Impact

George Pickens possesses a rare combination of athleticism and skill. His explosive speed, precise route-running, and impressive ball-tracking ability make him a truly dynamic playmaker. He's a high-potential receiver with the potential to become a future star in the NFL. The Steelers clearly see that potential.

• Impressive Plays: Pickens' one-handed grab against the Browns and his contested catch against the Ravens showcased his exceptional ability to make difficult plays.
• Comparisons to Stars: His physicality and play style draw comparisons to players like Deebo Samuel and Stefon Diggs, both established stars in the league.
• Future Impact: With further development and refinement, Pickens' impact on the Steelers' offense could be transformative, turning him into a cornerstone of their passing game for years to come.

The Steelers' Offensive Strategy: A Long-Term Vision

Building Around a Young Core

The Steelers are clearly committed to a youth movement, building around a young offensive core that includes quarterback Kenny Pickett and running back Najee Harris. This long-term strategy prioritizes development and continuity. Trading Pickens would have disrupted this carefully constructed plan.

• Draft Strategy: The Steelers have consistently invested draft capital in offensive talent, indicating a long-term commitment to building a strong offensive unit.
• Team Chemistry: Keeping the young offensive players together fosters team chemistry and allows them to develop a strong rapport on the field.
• Long-Term Offensive Plan: Pickens is a vital piece of the Steelers' long-term offensive plan, and trading him would have been detrimental to their future success.

Trade Offers: Insufficient Value

The Steelers' High Asking Price

It's highly likely that the Steelers had a very high asking price for Pickens, reflecting his considerable potential. The lack of suitable offers likely played a significant role in their decision. Simply put, no team offered enough compensation to justify parting with such a valuable asset.

• Potential Offers: It's reasonable to speculate that teams might have offered a combination of draft picks, perhaps a late first-round pick or multiple mid-round picks.
• Insufficient Compensation: The Steelers likely deemed these offers insufficient given Pickens' projected future value and the team's long-term goals.
• Risk of Undervaluing: Trading a player with Pickens' upside for less than his worth would have been a significant risk that the Steelers were unwilling to take.

The Coach's Perspective: Trust and Development

Mike Tomlin's Belief in Pickens

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has consistently expressed confidence in Pickens' potential and the team's commitment to his development. This belief, shared by the coaching staff, significantly influenced the decision not to trade him.

• Tomlin's Statements: Tomlin's public statements about Pickens' work ethic and potential demonstrate the coaching staff's confidence in his ability to grow.
• Coaching Influence: The Steelers' coaching staff clearly believes that they can maximize Pickens' potential within their system. This belief is crucial to their approach.
• Player Development: The Steelers prioritize player development, and they are clearly committed to helping Pickens reach his full potential.

Conclusion

The decision by the Steelers not to trade George Pickens reflects a multifaceted strategy. Their belief in his high potential, their long-term commitment to building a young offensive core, the lack of sufficiently enticing trade offers, and the coaching staff's faith in his development all contributed to this outcome. The Steelers didn't trade George Pickens because they see him as a crucial part of their future.

Do you think the Steelers made the right decision by not trading George Pickens? Share your thoughts in the comments below!