The Green Bay Packers are in need of an upgrade at the wide receiver position in 2025, and a report suggests they have their eye on Pittsburgh Steelers wideout, George Pickens.
According to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Steelers have taken and made calls about the star wide receiver, who is entering the final year of his contract. Schultz revealed he was told by an unnamed AFC general manager that the Packers are "serious" about acquiring the former second-round pick.
"It's just not in their DNA to spend that much on two wideouts," the AFC GM said to Schultz. "Pickens is more available than people think. Green Bay's been serious, and they're not the only ones."
There are multiple reasons why the Steelers might trade Pickens. It won't be easy for the Steelers to pay out big money for two wide receivers, something they'd be doing if they extend Pickens after inking DK Metcalf to a massive extension.
But making it more difficult is Pickens' volatile attitude, which makes him hard to trust for the long haul. On the flip side, the Steelers would be very thin at wide receiver if they trade the Georgia product, so that could deter them.
The Packers have a lot of young talent at wide receiver but no true No. 1. Pickens can fill that void and would push the younger wide receivers to roles they are more suited for. Green Bay could also use one of those wideouts in a trade package for Pickens, which could lower the burden on draft capital Green Bay would have to give up.
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Of course, there is plenty of risk involved with Pickens, who is likely to garner a Day 2 pick in a trade. Not only is he set to be a free agent in 2026, but if things don't go smoothly, he could cause a huge problem in Green Bay with his poor attitude. And, if that happens, Pickens could leave in free agency in 2026 for nothing.
When it comes to a new contract, the Packers are looking at a four-year, $94 million deal for Pickens, according to Spotrac. Green Bay should be able to make that work, although they'll have to cross that bridge when they get to it. It would be wise to let Pickens play out the final year of his deal before making that decision.