George Pickens’ cryptic comments post Wild Card loss spark concern about his future with Steelers
George Pickens was a rare bright spot in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2024 NFL postseason.
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George Pickens (Image via Athlon Sports)
The bad mojo from the four-game losing streak to finish the season translated into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ postseason game as they found themselves out of the race. The Baltimore Ravens steamrolled the Steelers 28-14 at the M&T Bank Stadium to advance to the Divisional Playoffs.
Quarterback Russell Wilson has expressed his desire to return to the Steelers for the 2025 season. However, wide receiver George Pickens may have a different perspective regarding his own future.
During his post-game press conference, Pickens was asked if he had noticed signs of growth within the Pittsburgh offense. He admitted that there are signs of growth from the past years.
Yeah, I’ve seen signs of growth, for sure. From past — first year I’ve been here, just way more growth, for sure.
George Pickens said
The reporter asked whether he was optimistic about the growth, which he responded with a comment that has raised eyebrows.
Uh, nah.
George Pickens admitted
George Pickens says he has seen growth from the offense since he’s been with the Steelers, but admits he’s not optimistic of the offense going forward. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/ss4BaU49sZ
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) January 12, 2025
Pickens wrapped up the 2024 regular season with 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns, a decline from his 2023 totals of 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five scores. In the playoff loss to Baltimore, he recorded five receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. The performance against the Ravens was preceded by one of his worst games in career – In Week 18, the wideout threw 0 yards in the loss against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Under contract through 2025, with a base salary of $1.625 million, Pickens will likely seek a new deal. The WR had a considerable season hampered by injuries and penalties. The key question is whether he prefers that new contract to come from another team.
Considering his unexpected appearances during the post-game interviews of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce on Christmas Day, it’s possible he has his sights set elsewhere.
George Pickens maybe right about the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have tied the Miami Dolphins for the longest active postseason losing streak. Pittsburgh’s season ends in familiar fashion — a one-and-done exit from the postseason. The disappointment stretches back to the 2016 AFC Championship Game, where the Steelers were routed by the New England Patriots in what remains their last serious Super Bowl run.
Since then, playoff appearances have been brief and heartbreaking. A promising 2017 season ended with a Divisional Round upset by the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite a high-powered offense and a successful regular season.
In 2020, the team’s collapse from an 11-0 start culminated in a humiliating home playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns, marking their first postseason victory in decades. Ben Roethlisberger’s final NFL game saw the Steelers soundly beaten on the road by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Most recently, the 2023 campaign ended in a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills after Pittsburgh barely secured a playoff berth.
Was George Pickens right? The Steelers are actively bettering themselves, but they haven’t translated the success to the postseason yet, and that is reason to worry. As Mike McCarthy notes, it’s Super Bowl or Bust.
Related: Mike Evans wary of the tough challenge of facing Marshon Lattimore again: “Got to be at my best”
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Mohammed Bazim
(405 Articles Published)