Steelers Decide George Pickens’ Future in Latest NFL Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers added a high-end receiver in DK Metcalf this offseason, leaving George Pickens’ future in limbo. In an all-trade 2025 NFL Draft mock-up, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell cleared everything up for the mercurial receiver.
In that scenario, the Steelers traded Pickens and their No. 21 overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals to move up five spots in the order. Pittsburgh also netted wideout Michael Wilson and a fourth-round choice in the swap.
“There were already rumblings about them moving on from Pickens after a frustrating end to 2024, and with Metcalf now making $33 million per season, there’s probably not going to be enough money for Pickent to get a similar deal,” Barnwell wrote Monday. “Pickens is set to be a free agent next season, so this deal would lock in a meaningful return versus letting him walk. … The Steelers would also get two years of cost-controlled performance from Wilson, who has the size to take over in Pickens’ sideline role.”
Wilson was a third-round draft pick out of Stanford in 2023. Over two professional campaigns, he’s posted 85 grabs for 1,113 yards and seven scores.
Meanwhile, in the proposed situation, George Pickens is paired with the No. 4 overall pick in last year’s draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. As a newcomer, Harrison totaled 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns.
“The Cardinals didn’t get what they hoped out of wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. as a rookie, but some of that might have been what was around him,” Barnwell wrote. “While tight end Trey McBride had an excellent season, they didn’t get much from Wilson or Greg Dortch. Upgrading at wide receiver would give them the ability to move Harrison around the formation and get him more one-on-one opportunities on the outside.”