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Lions star Jameson Williams isn’t the only wide receiver whose social media activity has fans buzzing during NFL Draft week.
Steelers standout George Pickens unfollowed the team that drafted him 52nd overall three years ago, multiple outlets reported Wednesday, the same day NFL insider Jordan Schultz alleged the former Georgia product has been referenced in “trade discussions” among multiple teams.
Although the Steelers aren’t said to be “actively shopping” Pickens, it appears “conversations have taken place,” per Schultz.
There’s been much speculation about Pickens’ future in Pittsburgh as he has one year remaining on his rookie contract.
Even with the splashy addition of former Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf this offseason, the team has remained steadfast that Pickens is part of their present and future.
“We’re glad we have George and DK here. I think they’re going to be exciting for everyone to watch,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said this week, according to Steelers Wire.
Pickens, 24, had been following the Steelers’ account as of March 9, according to Steelers Depot, but it is unclear when the apparent purge took place.
The former second-round pick is coming off a rocky season in Pittsburgh, where he was at the center of several controversies.
Pickens showed up late to the Steelers’ Christmas Day loss to the Chiefs, and he got into it with fans during the team’s regular-season finale against the Bengals in January.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin also implored Pickens to “grow up” after he drew two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against Cincinnati earlier in the year.
“He’s just gotta grow up, man,” Tomlin said in December. “It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He’s got a target on his back because he’s George. He understands that. But he’s gotta grow up, and he’s gotta grow up in a hurry.”
Pickens tallied 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games last year.
Pickens’ curious social media activity comes after Williams posted cryptic messages earlier this week following a report alleging he’s on the trading block.
Williams is a 2022 first-round pick with Detroit.
It remains to be seen what the Steelers will do with pick No. 21 on Thursday when the 2025 NFL Draft gets underway.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders — who has been heavily linked to Pittsburgh — has made it clear that whoever is tossing passes to Pickens and Metcalf will be one lucky QB.
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