FORMER STEELERS STAR PLACED AT NO. 2 IN ESPN’S FREE-AGENT RANKINGS
By Daniel Fisher
In an offseason full of uncertainty and potential shakeups, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has emerged as one of the most sought-after free agents of 2026. After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys last offseason, Pickens now faces the possibility of testing the open market. With his current contract expiring, if the Cowboys decide not to re-sign him or place the franchise tag on him, Pickens will hit free agency, where he is expected to attract significant interest from multiple teams.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently released his list of the top 50 upcoming free agents, and Pickens made a strong showing at No. 2 overall. Bowen highlighted Pickens’ explosive skill set and his ability to make game-changing plays, pointing out his remarkable 2025 season performance.
Pickens’ Explosive 2025 Season
In 2025, George Pickens had a breakout year with the Cowboys, finishing third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards. He also recorded 22 receptions of 20 or more yards, the fourth most in the league. Bowen emphasized that Pickens’ knack for making explosive plays, especially his ability to stretch the field, makes him one of the most intriguing wide receivers available this offseason.
“Pickens has the explosive ability to flip the field,” Bowen wrote. “That skill will lead to big money in the open market if he isn’t franchise-tagged.”
With his ability to make big plays at all levels of the field—whether on short slants, deep routes, or intermediate catches—Pickens has solidified himself as one of the top free agents of the year. His combination of speed, athleticism, and route-running makes him an appealing option for teams looking to boost their receiving corps, and many franchises will be eager to land him.
Why Pickens Could Be the No. 1 Receiver for Many Teams
Despite being on a roster with CeeDee Lamb, who has already cemented himself as the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver, Pickens’ ability to be a No. 1 option for other teams cannot be overlooked. His performance in Dallas this past season has shown that he can be a dominant force as a primary target, and his versatility allows him to thrive as a deep threat, possession receiver, or in a balanced offensive scheme.
While the Cowboys might value Pickens’ contributions, they may be hesitant to offer him a long-term deal, given their commitment to Lamb as their franchise receiver. The emergence of other playmakers on the Cowboys’ roster, coupled with salary cap constraints, may lead them to decide against re-signing Pickens. This opens the door for other NFL teams to swoop in and secure the talented receiver on a potentially lucrative deal.
Could Pickens Return to Pittsburgh?
While Pickens’ future with the Cowboys remains uncertain, there’s always the possibility that the Steelers could bring him back. The Steelers traded Pickens to Dallas just one offseason ago, but now, with the team facing the prospect of rebuilding, they might consider re-acquiring their former star wide receiver. However, the absence of long-time head coach Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh could complicate that scenario.
Under Tomlin, Pickens thrived in a system that maximized his strengths and allowed him to showcase his explosive abilities. However, with new head coach Mike McCarthy taking over the reins in Pittsburgh, the team could shift its focus to improving other areas of the roster, particularly the receiving room, where McCarthy, a noted offensive-minded coach, might prefer to add a proven veteran instead of bringing back a player who was part of the franchise’s previous era.
The Steelers’ Offseason Moves and New Direction
McCarthy’s arrival in Pittsburgh may signal a change in philosophy for the Steelers, and that could impact Pickens’ potential return. The Steelers have been making moves to overhaul their offense in an attempt to compete in the highly competitive AFC North. McCarthy, known for his work with quarterbacks and offensive systems, might want to add more proven weapons to help elevate the team’s passing game. With the Steelers’ current receiving corps still in need of an upgrade, it’s unclear whether McCarthy would prioritize bringing Pickens back or instead pursue other options on the open market.
However, the allure of reuniting with Pickens could still be strong. His familiarity with the Steelers’ offensive system under Tomlin, and the chemistry he developed with quarterback Kenny Pickett, might make for an enticing scenario. If the Steelers decide to take a chance on Pickens, they could potentially bring him back at a reasonable price, which would significantly bolster their receiving group.
Pickens’ Market and Future Prospects
If George Pickens does hit the free-agent market, there’s little doubt that his market will be highly competitive. Teams in need of a dynamic, explosive wide receiver will be lining up for a chance to sign the former Steelers star, especially given his ability to change the game in an instant. His proven ability to rack up yardage and create mismatches against opposing defenses will make him a coveted asset for teams looking to upgrade their receiving corps.
Pickens’ market value will ultimately depend on his negotiation with potential suitors and how he handles the interest from various teams. With his talent and production, he is sure to command a hefty contract if the Cowboys choose not to franchise tag him. For Pickens, the next few months will be critical as he decides where to continue his career, and whether he will remain with the Cowboys or find a new home in the offseason.
The Bottom Line:
George Pickens is poised to be one of the hottest free-agent names this offseason, and with his explosive skill set, he could be a game-changer for whichever team secures his services. Whether the Cowboys re-sign him or he tests the open market, teams will be lining up for the chance to add a dynamic playmaker to their roster. As the offseason unfolds, Pickens’ future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he will be one of the most sought-after free agents of 2026.
