The Pittsburgh Steelers face a tough challenge in trying to replicate a potential connection between quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver George Pickens in 2025, as their pairing could prove to be a short-lived experiment.
Fields, a soon-to-be free agent, is at the center of speculation about his future.
Regarding the possibility of remaining in Pittsburgh, Fields’ not-so-smooth relationship with Pickens could end up playing a factor.
A recent ESPN report shed light on the interesting dynamics between the two players.
“Some in the Pittsburgh organization are comfortable with Justin Fields being the team’s QB in 2025. He has upside and more mobility at this stage than Russell Wilson, the Steelers’ other free agent passer,” Jeremy Fowler stated.
“But as one NFC executive pointed out, Fields didn’t seem to have great chemistry with receiver George Pickens, so it’s possible that could play a part.”
The Steelers have a pressing need to establish a solid relationship between Pickens and whoever will be under center in 2025.
As the team’s leading receiver in yardage from this past season, Pickens’ future with Pittsburgh is key.
Although he doesn’t hit free agency until 2026, his role and potential for trade have become topics of interest.
In recent years, NFL teams have shown a willingness to trade players before their contracts are up.
As a result, Pickens may be seen as an attractive option for teams looking for a more affordable upgrade at wide receiver, particularly since he remains on his rookie deal through 2025.
His name has already been floated as a trade candidate for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who could be seeking a replacement for Chris Godwin, who is set to enter free agency this spring.
However, there are additional reasons the Steelers may consider moving Pickens.
Notably, there have been no reports suggesting the Steelers have engaged in discussions about picking up Pickens’ fifth-year option or extending his contract.
It’s also impossible to ignore all of the headaches – both on the field and off – that Pickens has caused for head coach Mike Tomlin and the team.
There’s a realistic chance that Pittsburgh’s front office could look to move Pickens if his maturity level and work ethic don’t improve.
Meanwhile, Fields isn’t the only free agent quarterback who the Steelers need to make a decision on. Russell Wilson, who took the vast majority of snaps this season, is also a free agent.
There have been rumors linking Wilson to the Las Vegas Raiders, thanks to his previous connection with head coach Pete Carroll from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, Wilson downplayed those rumors during Pro Bowl week and stated that he hopes to remain in Pittsburgh.
There is a large portion of Steelers fans who hope the team resigns Fields and gives him a fair shot to be the starter next season.
What are your thoughts on the report that Pickens’ personal feelings towards Fields could potentially play a factor in the matter?
At the end of the day, who will be taking snaps under center in Pittsburgh come September???
