NFL insider throws George Pickens in as a major caveat to Justin Fields returning as Pittsburgh Steelers' starting QB in 2025
Sometimes, a player is so dominant, that you overlook a lot of his antics. And in 2023, that was the case with the Pittsburgh Steelers and WR George Pickens. Then in 2024, that caught up to both of them, as Pickens only got worse in his behavior, and still received little repercussion. But above all else, […]
Sometimes, a player is so dominant, that you overlook a lot of his antics.
And in 2023, that was the case with the Pittsburgh Steelers and WR George Pickens.
Then in 2024, that caught up to both of them, as Pickens only got worse in his behavior, and still received little repercussion.
But above all else, his relationship with Justin Fields could reportedly force the Steelers' hand when it comes to their QB situation…
George Pickens not a fan of Justin Fields?
Some in the Pittsburgh organization are comfortable with Justin Fields being the team's QB in 2025. He has the upside and more mobility at this stage than Russell Wilson, the Steelers' other free-agent passer. 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.
– Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
It's an odd statement, but one that can't be overlooked given Fowler's ties to the organization. Pickens and Fields go all the way back to high school in Georgia, and both seemed happy to team up during camp last year.
Yet many believe that when the team moved from Fields to Wilson as starting QB, Pickens started to turn up his game a notch. And sure, maybe he caught some more deep shots because of Russell Wilson and his moon ball, but Pickens' highest output in terms of both of yards came in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts when Justin Fields was still the starter.
But regardless of who Pickens favors, the Steelers shouldn't be listening to, or taking into consideration the thoughts of a player who you can't even count to show up on time.
The last thing Pickens needs is to be enabled any further. And the lack of conversation surrounding a contract extension between the Steelers and Pickens could be a sign that they are over his antics, or at least holding out hope that he shapes up in a contract year.
So I think Pickens has bigger worries than the chemistry with his signal caller.
