NFL Rumors: Chemistry With Steelers Wideout ‘Could Play Part’ In QB Decision

While it’s unknown which quarterback the Steelers will move forward with, the preference of George Pickens has been easier to gauge.

The Steelers wideout more or less shared his preference for veteran passer Russell Wilson over dual-threat Justin Fields during Pittsburgh’s 2024 campaign. Pickens and Wilson showed more chemistry in the passing game and Wilson’s knack for throwing deep was something Pickens benefited from.

An NFC executive questioned whether Pickens could “play a part” in Pittsburgh’s impending decision behind center.

“Some in the Pittsburgh organization are comfortable with Justin Fields being the team’s QB in 2025,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote in a column published Saturday. “He has 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.”

The 23-year-old Pickens concluded the campaign with 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. He finished with fewer catches, yards and touchdowns than the previous season when he worked with the quarterback rotation of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky.

The Steelers would benefit from Pickens finishing out his rookie contract on a high note, and the return of Wilson and some additional offensive weapons might help that come to fruition.