The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads as they navigate the middle of the 2024 season. While they’ve shown glimpses of promise, especially with their talented wide receiver George Pickens, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the offense needs an X-Factor wide receiver to take it to the next level and fully unlock Pickens’ potential.
Pickens, considered a steal in the 2022 NFL Draft, was selected with the 52nd pick in the second round and quickly made an impact for the Steelers. Despite offensive inconsistencies, Pickens has been a consistent contributor, amassing 1,140 receiving yards in his sophomore season.
However, even his standout performances were not enough to propel Pittsburgh into a deep playoff run.
As the Steelers started the 2024 season with an impressive 3-0 record, most of their offensive struggles were masked, but back-to-back losses have exposed the imperfections in Arthur Smith’s offensive system.
Steelers must invest in WR threat to save George Pickens' career
In the Week 5 Sunday Night Football showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, tensions were visibly evident. The Steelers needed a score late in the game, but the offense sputtered. George Pickens, visibly frustrated throughout the night, wore eye tape that read “Open always,” but could not find the ball when it mattered most.
Quarterback Justin Fields targeted Pickens seven times, but it only resulted in three receptions for 26 yards. As the Cowboys keyed in on Pickens, it became obvious that the lack of other reliable playmakers on the field limited the offense’s ability to move the football effectively.
The Steelers remain between a rock and a hard place. With cornerstone pieces like Pickens, they have the talent to make a playoff push, but the stagnant offense and lack of playmakers are stifling their progress.
While Justin Fields has faced criticism, it’s evident that the blame doesn’t fall solely on him. Without a true X-factor receiver to take pressure off Pickens, defenses can easily zero in on him, minimizing his effectiveness.
General manager Omar Khan needs to make a move.
The Steelers need an offensive catalyst—a dynamic receiver who can draw defensive attention away from Pickens and create mismatches. With Pickens often facing double coverage, the lack of separation limits the big plays Pittsburgh needs.
Bringing in a new wide receiver would open the field for Pickens, allowing him to showcase his full potential. Only then will we see just how dominant Pickens can be when he’s in a position to succeed.