The Steelers reportedly tried to trade George Pickens during the 2025 NFL Draft and were “laughed at" by other NFL teams.

All the warning signs were there in plain daylight when the Steelers were on the clock in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Pre-draft evaluations of Pickens told the story of a talented player who couldn't get out of his own way. Maturity issues overshadowed his success in college, and so far, it's been the same story in the NFL .

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering uncharted waters in the 2026 season. After losing all three quarterbacks, their top running back, and trading George Pickens, their top wide receiver, the team’s offensive core is changing completely.