The Buffalo Bills head into the offseason with a clear mandate: get Josh Allen a true No. 1 wide receiver. After a year where the passing game lacked consistent firepower, the front office has options - free agency, the draft, and of course, the trade market.
And while names like A.J. Brown and Brian Thomas Jr. have stirred plenty of buzz, another intriguing name has surfaced: George Pickens.
Yes, that George Pickens - the former Steelers wideout who just posted a career-best season in Dallas. The Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on him, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, which opens the door to a potential tag-and-trade scenario. And if that happens, the Bills are widely seen as one of the top teams that could make a move.
But here’s the thing: while the fit looks good on paper, the reality is a little more complicated.
Pickens Has Talent, But Is He a WR1?
Let’s start with the positives. Pickens is a physical, explosive receiver who can stretch the field and win those 50-50 balls - the kind of guy who could thrive with a quarterback like Allen who isn’t afraid to take deep shots. That vertical threat is something Buffalo’s offense has lacked since Stefon Diggs’ role started to shift and the big plays dried up.
But if the Bills are looking for a bona fide WR1 - someone who can consistently command double teams, move the chains, and carry the passing game when needed - Pickens hasn’t proven he’s that guy. At least not yet.
Drafted in the second round out of Georgia in 2022, Pickens was quickly thrust into a leading role in Pittsburgh. With Diontae Johnson fading, Pickens became the Steelers’ top target by default.
Over the next two seasons, he totaled eight touchdowns and finally cracked the 1,000-yard mark in 2024. Solid numbers, but not eye-popping - especially for a player being discussed in WR1 terms.
What’s more concerning is what happened off the field. Pickens’ time in Pittsburgh was marred by sideline blowups and questions about his effort, which ultimately led the Steelers to move on and bring in DK Metcalf in 2025. That’s not a great sign for a young receiver still trying to establish himself.
Dallas Gave Him a Boost - But Was It Sustainable?
In Dallas, Pickens found himself in a much more favorable situation. With CeeDee Lamb drawing the top coverage and the Cowboys' offense humming, Pickens was able to thrive as a secondary option.
He stepped up when Lamb missed time, putting up big numbers in two of those three games. But the Cowboys still lost those contests, and when the pressure mounted late in the season, Pickens’ production dipped.
From December on, he scored just one touchdown and topped 50 receiving yards only twice in five games.
That’s the inconsistency that makes teams pause. Yes, the talent is there.
And yes, in the right system with the right supporting cast, Pickens can be a problem for defenses. But the Bills aren’t just looking for a splash - they need someone who can be the focal point of the offense and deliver week in, week out.
The Cost: High Risk, Uncertain Reward
Then there’s the financial piece. If the Cowboys tag Pickens, he’s set to earn over $28 million in 2025.
Any team trading for him would not only absorb that cap hit but also need to commit to a long-term deal - one that will likely pay him like a top-tier receiver. That’s a hefty investment for a player still hovering in the space between potential and production.
Buffalo can make the money work. They’ve got the flexibility to absorb the short-term hit and structure a deal that fits their cap outlook. But the question isn’t whether they can do it - it’s whether they should.
Pickens would add a new dimension to the offense, no doubt. Pairing his downfield ability with Allen’s arm could be electric.
But that upside comes with real risk. He hasn’t shown he can be the guy.
He hasn’t shown he can be counted on when it matters most. And in a locker room that’s built around leadership, accountability, and chasing a Super Bowl, that matters.
Bottom Line
The Bills need a WR1. George Pickens has WR1 traits, but not the track record.
If Buffalo wants to swing big, they need to be sure they’re getting more than just potential - they need production, consistency, and reliability. Pickens might get there someday.
But right now, that’s a gamble the Bills can’t afford to lose.