Pickens’ Contract Status with the Steelers
George Pickens remains under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers through the 2025 season, as he is still playing under his rookie contract. According to Spotrac, Pickens’ current contract runs until the end of the 2025 season, meaning he is not yet a free agent. However, he is eligible for a contract extension, and speculation has arisen that the Steelers could offer him a lucrative deal to retain him or consider a trade.
Trade Rumors and Speculation
Several reports have indicated that the Steelers might explore trade options for Pickens, considering the team’s long-term salary cap situation and their need to build for the future. According to Pro Football Rumors, Pickens has been named a potential trade candidate, and multiple teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, have been mentioned as possible landing spots.
The Raiders, in particular, are in need of a top-tier wide receiver to complement their offense and could be willing to offer a lucrative deal to acquire Pickens.
Why Would the Raiders Be Interested?
The Las Vegas Raiders are currently looking to strengthen their wide receiver corps, especially with uncertainties surrounding their quarterback situation and the performance of their offense. If they were to pursue Pickens, they would likely see him as a long-term No. 1 receiver who can provide big plays and complement their offensive system.
The Raiders recently lost key offensive pieces and are in a rebuilding phase, making a move for Pickens a logical option if they want to remain competitive. However, as of now, no official trade negotiations or agreements have been confirmed between the two teams.
What’s Next for Pickens?
If the Steelers truly offered Pickens a four-year, $88.6 million contract and he rejected it, that would indicate his interest in testing the market or seeking a higher-paying contract elsewhere. A five-year, $115.4 million deal with the Raiders would be a massive contract for a receiver still on his rookie deal and would signal a major commitment from Las Vegas. However, without official confirmation, this remains speculation.
Final Thoughts
At this moment, there is no verified confirmation that Pickens has signed a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders or that he has rejected a contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Until an official announcement is made by NFL insiders, the Steelers, or the Raiders, fans should take these reports with caution. The situation remains fluid, and while Pickens could eventually be traded or sign a long-term extension, nothing is official as of now.