George Pickens might just be one of the most intriguing names to watch as we head into the NFL offseason. The former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout is putting together a breakout campaign, and if he hits the open market, he’s going to have no shortage of suitors.
One team that could make things especially interesting? The Baltimore Ravens.
Yeah, you read that right. Baltimore - Pittsburgh’s longtime AFC North rival - could be a legitimate landing spot for Pickens if the Cowboys, his current team, decide not to bring him back or use the franchise tag.
Let’s break this down.
Pickens is having the kind of season that turns heads around the league. Through 15 games, he’s hauled in 88 catches for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns.
That’s not just solid production - that’s top-tier, No. 1 receiver-type stuff. He’s proving he can win at every level of the field, whether it’s stretching defenses vertically, working the sidelines, or making contested catches in traffic.
And he’s doing it with a physical, aggressive style that would fit right into Baltimore’s blue-collar identity.
Now, look at the Ravens’ situation. Under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Lamar Jackson took a big step forward as a passer in 2024.
He posted career highs in several passing categories, showing growth in his ability to operate from the pocket and make reads downfield. But this season has been a bit of a rollercoaster.
Jackson’s battled through injuries, and his completion percentage has dipped. Add in the fact that Derrick Henry is about to turn 32 - a big number for a running back, even one as physically dominant as Henry - and it’s clear that Baltimore could be looking to bolster its offense with more reliable weapons in the passing game.
Enter Pickens.
He’s young, explosive, and already producing like a top-tier receiver. Pairing him with a healthy Lamar Jackson could open up Monken’s offense even more, giving Baltimore a true outside threat to complement what they’ve built with their tight ends and run game.
It’s the kind of move that could shift the balance of power in the AFC North - and not just because of what Pickens brings to the table. The optics of the Steelers trading him away, only to watch him suit up for their biggest rival, would sting in Pittsburgh.
Of course, a lot has to happen before this becomes reality. Dallas still has the option to bring Pickens back, and the franchise tag is always in play.
But if he does hit free agency, don’t be surprised if the Ravens are one of the first teams to make a call. They’ve got a quarterback in his prime, a system that’s evolving, and a need for a dynamic playmaker on the outside.
And Pickens? He’s looking every bit the part.