Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens considered a trade request from the organization but ultimately prefers to remain with the Steelers, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler.
“I was informed that ultimately, [George] Pickens wishes to remain in Pittsburgh; he toyed with the idea of a trade request, but ultimately, he admires Mike Tomlin and desires to be involved,” Fowler shared on NFL Live.
It was noted that the Steelers were receiving inquiries regarding Pickens as the draft approached, but they ultimately chose to retain him. One of the teams that asked was the Dallas Cowboys. With the NFL Draft behind us, it appears that Pickens will be playing for the Steelers now.
Pickens and DK Metcalf will now form a pair on the outside for the Steelers. He is approaching the final year of his rookie contract and may seek an extension from the Steelers this summer.
When questioned this offseason about the possibility of trading Pickens on Tuesday, general manager Omar Khan frequently mentioned that the team hopes to pair Pickens with Metcalf.
“No, what I mean is that we’re happy to have George and DK with us.” I believe they will be thrilling for all to observe. “I’m thrilled to have DK with us, but now I’ll respond to your question,” Khan stated.
Pickens sat out three games due to a hamstring injury, hindering what appeared to be a second consecutive 1000-yard season for the third-year wideout.
He recorded an average of 15.3 yards per catch, totaling 59 catches for 900 yards over the season. Throughout the previous two seasons, Pickens has surpassed 15 yards per reception and 900 yards while being the centerpiece of the team’s passing attack.