Could George Pickens Be the Missing Piece for the Ravens? A Closer Look at a Potential Offseason Fit
As the NFL offseason looms, one name that’s starting to generate serious buzz is George Pickens - and not just for his highlight-reel catches or sideline antics. According to reports, there’s growing belief that Pickens could be on Baltimore’s radar this offseason, and the fit might be more than just intriguing - it could be exactly what the Ravens need to elevate their offense to the next level.
A Boundary Threat for Lamar?
Baltimore has been searching for a true outside receiver to complement its dynamic offense, and Pickens checks a lot of boxes. He’s a physical, athletic boundary receiver with big-play ability, something the Ravens haven’t consistently had on the perimeter during Lamar Jackson’s tenure. Zay Flowers has emerged as a legitimate weapon, but pairing him with a vertical threat like Pickens could stretch defenses in ways Baltimore hasn’t consistently been able to do.
The Ravens are expected to have around $40 million in cap space heading into 2026, giving them the financial flexibility to make a splash at wide receiver - something they’ve historically been hesitant to do. But with Jackson in his prime, the time to go all-in might be now. And while Pickens won’t come cheap, the upside is hard to ignore.
Why Pickens Could Be Available
Pickens is putting together a career-best season - 78 catches, 1,179 yards, and eight touchdowns - and there are still four games to go. Those are WR1 numbers, no question. But despite his production, there’s uncertainty about his long-term future in Dallas.
The Cowboys are already paying CeeDee Lamb $34 million per year, and with the team projected to be over the 2026 salary cap, keeping both Lamb and Pickens could prove financially unworkable. Jerry and Stephen Jones have expressed a desire to keep Pickens, but desire doesn’t always match up with cap reality.
There’s also the question of whether Dallas would use the franchise tag to keep him - a possibility, but not a guarantee. If Pickens hits the open market, Baltimore could be in prime position to make a move.
The Personality Factor
Of course, talent isn’t the only thing teams weigh when considering a player like Pickens. He’s had flashes of brilliance on the field, but also moments that have raised eyebrows - including a recent game against the Lions where his effort was called into question.
Late in the game, Pickens appeared disengaged, even failing to make a play on a deep ball from Dak Prescott. It wasn’t a good look, especially with CeeDee Lamb sidelined and the Cowboys needing someone to step up.
Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman didn’t hold back in his postgame critique, calling Pickens “uninterested” and saying that kind of effort is unacceptable for a player with star aspirations.
“You’re the guy,” Sherman said. “CeeDee Lamb is out.
And you get intercepted on your slant routes. You can’t be the guy and half-a- it.
I’m sorry. That’s just unacceptable.”
Pickens didn’t take the criticism lightly. He fired back on social media, calling out Sherman and defending himself, pointing to the realities of double teams and bracket coverages. The post was later deleted, but it added fuel to a conversation that’s been following Pickens since his time in Pittsburgh: undeniable talent, but questions about maturity.
A Fresh Start in Baltimore?
Interestingly, Pickens himself has acknowledged some of those concerns. In a recent piece for The Players’ Tribune, he admitted to being immature during his time with the Steelers - a self-awareness that may signal growth. That immaturity was reportedly a key reason the Steelers moved on from him, trading Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder.
Now, with another potential move on the horizon, the question becomes whether a team like the Ravens - with a strong locker room, a veteran head coach in John Harbaugh, and a culture that’s handled big personalities before - could be the right environment for Pickens to thrive.
Harbaugh has a track record of managing strong personalities and getting the best out of his players. If anyone can channel Pickens’ passion into consistent production, it might be him.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying George Pickens’ talent. At just 24 years old, he’s already producing like a top-tier wideout. The question is whether a team is willing to bet that the upside outweighs the volatility.
For the Ravens, the timing might be perfect. They’ve got the cap space.
They’ve got the quarterback. And they’ve got a glaring need for a receiver with Pickens’ skill set.
If he hits the market, don’t be surprised if Baltimore makes a serious push. And if they do, the AFC North could get a whole lot more interesting - especially with Pickens facing his former team twice a year.