Steelers’ George Pickens seemingly shades Kenny Pickett as new QB era begins.
While not a direct call out, Steelers star George Pickens’ quarterback comments seemed to shade former QB Kenny Pickett.
While George Pickens has had an impressive NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the star wide receiver knows he can be even better. But a lot of Pickens’ growth will come from who is playing quarterback for the Steelers.
As he prepares for year three in Pittsburgh, Pickens will be catching passes from either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. It’s a changing of the guard after Kenny Pickett primarily held the role for two seasons. Pickens is excited for the change and thinks it’ll only help him reach the next level, via Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“I feel like it can benefit a lot,” Pickens said. “With this type of mindset or scheme, my job is to just get open.”
“I’d probably say 80 percent,” Pickens said of how much of his skillset he has shown off. “I can only go off how the quarterback plays. I could thrive more. The yardage showed it. I should have made the Pro Bowl.”
Pickens gained 1,140 yards through the air in 2023, adding five touchdowns. His 18.1 yards per reception led the entire league. Pickens’ yardage and touchdown catches both set new career-highs as the wide receiver has now racked up 1,941 yards and nine touchdowns total in his two years with the Steelers.
Heading into the 2024 campaign, Pickens will have an even greater chance to shine. Not only will Pittsburgh have a new quarterback, but the Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Pickens’ already large target share should only improve.
As running back Jaylen Warren watches Pickens grow, he is confident his teammate has what it takes to be one of the best in the NFL.
