George Pickens was the top receiver on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster this season. However, after the team crashed out in the Wild Card round, there have been talks of letting him go.
Steelers icon and two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger came out and shared his opinion on the entire matter concerning Pickens.
Ben Roethlisberger Outlines Path Forward for Steelers, George Pickens
Pickens registered 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. However, his performances have been marred by issues on the field as well, apart from impending contractual issues off the field.
Roethlisberger took to his podcast “Footbahlin with Ben” to say his two cents on the matter. The 42-year-old highlighted that the Steelers need to make several decisions for next season concerning their roster, Pickens chief among them.
“You got George Pickens,” Roethlisberger said. “You either sign him to a long-term deal, which would not be high on my priority list. You either sign him to a long-term deal and give him a bunch of money.”
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“You let him play this year, you franchise him, and then he’s gone so you have two years with him. You trade him because right now is the only time you really have a trade that he’s worth anything because next year he’s on his last deal anyway.
“So, you have to either trade him now and get something for him or you’re just going to ride with him or pay him.”
The six-time Pro Bowler further added that in the scenario that the Steelers chose to trade him, they must sign a veteran WR and make him their No. 1 receiver. He further stated that this would work in tandem with Pittsburgh drafting a “stud” WR.
Pickens Drops Hints About His Future
After the loss against the Baltimore Ravens, the 23-year-old was asked about his future with the Steelers since his rookie contract has entered its final year. He outlaid the positives of their offense and his growth.
“I’m really just thinking about right now to be honest,” said Pickens. “I can’t even think about the future. I am just thinking about what just happened. I seen signs of growth for sure from the first year I have been here. Just way more growth for sure.”
The reporters then asked the WR whether these signs of improvement make him optimistic regarding the future of the offense, and he said, “Nah.”