You Won’t Believe Where George Pickens Will Likely End Up

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

With the NFL offseason officially in swing, the buzz around George Pickens is palpable, and he’s firmly positioned as a top trade candidate. The young wide receiver has expressed a desire to stay in Pittsburgh, but as teams start exploring trade options, the Steelers are unlikely to shy away from a compelling offer.

For Pittsburgh, the landscape is shifting—especially after their trade for DK Metcalf, signaling a potential rebuild on the horizon. With Pickens facing an extension soon, all signs suggest that the Steelers are open to examining trade possibilities involving him.

One team that should seriously consider making a move for Pickens is the Indianapolis Colts.

Now, while this may be a prediction rather than an official report, the rationale is compelling. As the Colts approach the pivotal 2025 season, head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard find themselves under pressure to solidify their roster. The ongoing quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones is not exactly a confidence booster, making it vital for the Colts to have a stable receiving corps to support their offensive efforts.

Currently, the Colts’ wide receiver room isn’t devoid of talent. With players like Michael Pittman Jr., Adonai Mitchell, and Alec Pierce, they have a decent group, but they lack that definitive WR1 presence that can elevate the entire unit. Pittman Jr. is a solid option, but there’s an evident gap when it comes to having a game-changing receiver that could take the offense to the next level, especially in light of their struggles in recent seasons.

The Colts’ recent draft move to acquire tight end Tyler Warren is a step in the right direction, but now they need to bring that same urgency to the wide receiver position. This is precisely why pursuing George Pickens could be a game-changer.

Pickens has proven he can step up and be that primary target, racking up 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over four seasons. His speed and playmaking ability make him a threat downfield, and adding him to the roster would not only bolster options for either Richardson or Jones but also divert some defensive attention away from Pittman, Pierce, and Mitchell. Simply put, Pickens could inject a missing spark into the Colts’ offense that they desperately need to be competitive.

As the offseason progresses, keep an eye on how this situation develops. The Colts could very well find themselves in a pivotal moment, and landing a player like George Pickens could reshape the trajectory of their season.