Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could be traded if the team adds a No. 1 receiver during the offseason, according to Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan. In a post on X responding to fan questions, Kaboly wrote, "Can they land somebody? If so, I do think they will move [Pickens]." It was a turbulent year for the 23-year-old, who drew head coach Mike Tomlin's ire for unsportsmanlike penalties and reportedly showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game. He missed three contests due to injury this year, and his production was somewhat inconsistent when he was healthy. Pickens finished the campaign with 59 receptions, 900 yards, and a career-low three touchdowns. There's no indication that Pittsburgh is done with Pickens or committed to trading him, but Kaboly's post suggests he could certainly be moved.
Jan 20, 2025 12:24 AM EST
The Athletic's Mike DeFabo suggests that the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider trading wide receiver George Pickens this offseason despite the fact that he's without a doubt the team's best offensive player. However, Pickens will enter the fourth and final year of his rookie deal in 2025, which means he could be a "hold in" during training camp this summer as he seeks a contract extension. DeFabo believes giving Pickens a big extension would be a mistake when considering some of his antics on the field. Instead of paying Pickens, the Steelers could choose from receivers scheduled to hit free agency in March that includes Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Marquise Brown, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs. In fantasy, Pickens was the WR41 in 2024 with 59 catches for 900 yards and only three touchdowns in 14 games played.
Jan 14, 2025 12:15 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in all five of his targets for 87 yards and a touchdown in a 28-14 Wild Card Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. In what was a disappointing night for the Steelers' offense, Pickens stepped up, particularly in the second half with the team trailing. He was on the receiving end of quarterback Russell Wilson's second passing score of the third quarter, a 36-yard deep ball that Pickens caught and made an impressive spin move with before parading into the end zone. The third-year pro later came down with a difficult sideline grab for a gain of 26 that moved the Steelers into Ravens territory with time winding down. All things considered, Pickens turned in a productive 2024-2025 campaign and flashed some potential as a fantasy WR1. The biggest question entering his fourth season will once again be centered around who is throwing him the football.
Jan 12, 2025 12:39 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens failed to make an impact in the team's final game of the regular season but will need to step up against the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Pickens was injured for Pittsburgh's most recent meeting with Baltimore, but back in Week 11, he earned 12 targets and logged eight receptions for 89 yards against his division rival. The Ravens allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season, so this is certainly a matchup that Pickens can find success in. Unfortunately, quarterback Russell Wilson and the Steelers' offense as a whole have been wildly inconsistent, making it extremely difficult to rely on Pickens' production. That said, he has a high ceiling this weekend and can be considered a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 in fantasy contests.
Jan 9, 2025 11:00 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens came down with just one of his six targets and finished with zero receiving yards in a Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a night to forget for both Pickens and his fantasy managers. Pickens recorded his only catch of the contest on Pittsburgh's first possession but was unable to gain any yardage on the play. He then proceeded to drop multiple passes from quarterback Russell Wilson while the Steelers attempted to mount a comeback. Pickens has flashed elite fantasy upside but did not establish himself as a reliable WR1 this season. He'll project as a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option next weekend in playoff leagues and DFS contests.
Jan 5, 2025 1:59 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught three of seven targets for 50 yards in the Christmas game 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Week 17 was Pickens' first game back from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14-16. Pickens and the struggling Steelers offense will look to bounce back with a strong performance in Week 18 as they host the Cincinnati Bengals, who rank middle of the pack against opposing wide receivers. Pickens caught three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in his previous game against the Bengals in Week 13. The Steelers have already clinched a playoff spot. However, they want to steer the ship in the right direction before the playoffs start, as they are on a three-game losing streak heading into this matchup. Look for Russell Wilson to look Pickens' way often in this one. RotoBallers ranks have him as our WR11 in Week 18.
Jan 3, 2025 11:20 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in just three of his seven targets for 50 yards in a Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers struggled to get much of anything going on offense in this one, but Pickens didn't appear to be hampered by his hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14 through 16. He made an impressive catch for a 41-yard gain on a deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson and had an 18-yard reception in the fourth quarter called back due to an offside penalty. Although fantasy managers that deployed Pickens in his return were likely let down by this performance, he should still be viewed as a solid WR2 against the Cincinnati Bengals in any leagues that compete in Week 18.
Dec 25, 2024 11:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is off the injury report and good-to-go for Wednesday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The top wideout in the Steel City has been sidelined for the past three games with a hamstring injury. While he was sidelined, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson saw an uptick in opportunities. Before the injury, Pickens was enjoying a nice string of performances with Russell Wilson under center. Since Wilson took the starting job in Week 7, Pickens had averaged a strong 16.0 PPR points per game with 81.2 yards per game. This was a nice improvement over the 10.2 PPR points he averaged during the first six games of the campaign. He should be locked into all lineups as a WR2 on Wednesday facing the Chiefs who have allowed the 15th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
Dec 24, 2024 2:00 PM EST
Pending one final health confirmation for Week 17, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is expected to play on Christmas Day on Wednesday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens has missed each of the last three games and said himself on Monday that he hasn't been cleared yet, but apparently the Steelers are expecting him to gain clearance from the doctors before Wednesday. "I feel good, but who make the decision is the coaches and the doctors. So just whatever they tell me to do I'm doing. Whenever you guys find out is when. I'll find out," Pickens said. The 23-year-old did individual drills in practice on Monday. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday for his final designation. If Pickens returns in Week 17, he should operate as Pittsburgh's top target, giving him WR2 upside in fantasy in championship matchups.
Dec 23, 2024 4:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) was limited in Sunday's practice estimation. The wideout has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury, so the update isn't surprising. However, it was reported earlier on Sunday that Pickens has a "real chance" to return on Christmas versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, fantasy managers should continue to plan accordingly. But if Pickens isn't out there on Wednesday, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson should continue to see more attention from Russell Wilson.
Dec 22, 2024 5:56 PM EST
According to Broke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) has a "real chance" to return on Wednesday to face the Kansas City Chiefs. The top wideout has been sidelined over the past three weeks due to a hamstring injury. While sidelined, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have operated as the top options in the Pittsburgh passing attack. Before the injury, Pickens was establishing a nice connection with Russell Wilson as he averaged an impressive 16.0 PPR points per game since Wilson took the starting job. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during the week as Pickens would be a viable WR2 if he can return to action.
Dec 22, 2024 2:52 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) didn't officially practice this week and was ruled out for Saturday's game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens for the third straight game, but he is running and did make an effort to be cleared this week. The Steelers are optimistic that Pickens will be ready to go next Wednesday on Christmas Day to face the Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old picked the worst possible time to miss games for fantasy managers relying on him in the postseason, but he could be back next week to resume his role as Pittsburgh's No. 1 wideout. If Pickens is active next week, fantasy managers will be hard-pressed not to throw him back in their starting lineups, even in a tough matchup against the Chiefs' stingy defense. Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Mike Williams have done little in Pickens' absence, with tight end Pat Freiermuth being the biggest beneficiary.
Dec 20, 2024 6:15 PM EST
Per the NFL's Tom Pelissero, the Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled out wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) for this Saturday's divisional clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Pickens has been shelved since popping up as a late-week addition on the team's Week 14 injury report and will miss his third straight contest. It comes as no surprise, considering he put together another week's worth of DNPs ahead of the outing. With the 23-year-old inactive again, wideouts Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III will work as Pittsburgh's top two options at the position. Mike Williams, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek will rotate in behind them. In Week 15, Williams led that trio by five snaps (15).
Dec 19, 2024 3:27 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is missing another practice on Wednesday but was able to do positional drills off to the side. Pickens has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and is up in the air to return on a short week in a big divisional clash on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. A return to the practice field on Thursday, however, would be a good sign that Pickens is trending in the right direction. Despite missing the last two games due to injury, the 23-year-old would be an enticing fantasy play against the Ravens secondary if he's able to return to the field this weekend. The last time these two teams met on Nov. 17, Pickens had season-highs in catches (eight) and targets (12) for 89 yards. If he misses a third straight contest, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson would continue to see a boost snaps and targets in a great matchup.
Dec 18, 2024 3:14 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is not taking part in Tuesday's practice, but he is on the side field getting a workout in. The rising star has missed each of the last two games with a hamstring injury. Since Russell Wilson took over for Justin Fields in Week 7, Pickens has posted at least 12.9 half-PPR fantasy points in four of six games. The third-year pro out of Georgia will be set up for a big game if he can return in Week 16. The Steelers are set to face a Baltimore Ravens defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. If he cannot play, Calvin Austin III and Mike Williams are the next up on the depth chart, but neither is a safe option in the fantasy football playoffs. Fantasy managers should monitor Pickens' status throughout the rest of the week.
Dec 17, 2024 2:07 PM EST
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially ruled out wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) for the Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Pickens was expected to miss his second straight game earlier this week, so fantasy managers should have already moved him to their benches. It's a tough blow for the Steeler heading into a hostile environment and for fantasy managers in the first round of the playoffs. The team's top wideout will now try to get healthy for a Week 16 tilt against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. With the 23-year-old sidelined again, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams and Scotty Miller will all have elevated roles, but tight end Pat Freiermuth might be the biggest beneficiary from a fantasy standpoint. In last week's win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns, Freiermuth and Jefferson both found the end zone.
Dec 13, 2024 3:38 PM EST
According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice for the second-straight day. Pickens now has one more opportunity on Friday to practice in some capacity. Earlier in the week, head coach Mike Tomlin noted that his No.1 wideout would be unlikely to suit up this weekend, and his current trajectory reinforces that claim. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on Friday in case he can practice in some capacity. Since Russell Wilson has taken starting duties, Pickens has averaged an impressive 16.0 PPR points per game and averaged 81.2 yards per game during this span. If Pickens misses his second-straight contest, fantasy managers should expect tight end Pat Freiermuth and wide receivers Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III to see an uptick in targets.
Dec 12, 2024 4:03 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is not practicing on Wednesday ahead of the Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickens picked up a hamstring injury last week and was a surprise inactive ahead of last week's win over the Cleveland Browns. Given his lack of practice participation to begin the week, he's at real risk of missing another contest. Since Russell Wilson has taken over at quarterback, Pickens has hauled in 29 passes for 487 yards and three touchdowns in six games. He's been a strong option for fantasy football, so his potential absence is not ideal with the playoffs set to start in Week 15. Assuming he's out, Mike Williams or Calvin Austin III can be considered in flex spots, but in 12-team setups, there are likely better available options. The Eagles are one of the stingiest defenses against fantasy wideouts.
Dec 11, 2024 2:48 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) has an outside chance of being able to suit up in Week 15 to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Tomlin said if he was pressed, he'd consider Pickens doubtful to play. Pickens suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain late last week in practice and didn't play in the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old deep threat is now looking unlikely for this weekend, so fantasy managers need to move him to their benches and look for backup options, if you don't have one already. Pickens is Pittsburgh's top wideout and quarterback Russell Wilson's favorite target, so a second straight absence will make things much more difficult against Philly. In Pickens' absence against Cleveland, tight end Pat Freiermuth scored and was the team's leading receiver, with receiver Van Jefferson also finding the end zone.
Dec 10, 2024 12:20 PM EST
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac writes that it's likely the Pittsburgh Steelers will be without wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in practice late last week and missed the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns. Pickens' injury is one that typically requires multiple weeks of rest, and the Steelers want to be cautious with their No. 1 wideout so that he's healthy for the playoffs. So fantasy managers that made the postseason shouldn't expect the 23-year-old pass-catcher to be available versus Philly. Tight end Pat Freiermuth and receiver Van Jefferson benefitted the most from Pickens' absence in Week 14, but Calvin Austin III and Mike Williams will see more offensive snaps as well if Pickens misses a second straight game.
Dec 9, 2024 4:15 PM EST
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