superwin636 George Pickens, a 23-year-old wide receiver, is still a player with potential to develop further, according to the Iron Man owner. superwin636
Pittsburgh Steelers owner and chairman Art Rooney hopes to see growth in George Pickens, who has struggled with mood swings and problems both on and off the field, ESPN reports. ( superwin636 )
Rooney described Pickens, a former 2022 second-round draft pick, as a very talented player with room to grow in the future, saying: “We want to see him grow and hopefully he realizes his potential, but there’s definitely room to grow,”
Pickens missed three games of the 2024 season with a hamstring injury, but the 23-year-old wide receiver has had a solid season, catching 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns, with two games of at least 100 yards receiving, but is averaging a career-low 15.3 yards per catch.
However, Pickens struggled on and off the field last season, throwing two free throws against the Cincinnati Bengals that frustrated head coach Mike Tomlin and arriving late for a Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
‘Every team seems to have one or two players in that room, you have to manage them properly,’ Rooney said. ‘I still think George is a talent that we have to try and work on and see if we can really get him to the level that he is. Who knows if we can get there, we’ll have to see.’
‘But when you have players as talented as some of the guys you’re thinking about, you try to work with them and get them to help you succeed.’
Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, but Rooney said they have not discussed an extension with the 23-year-old wide receiver until now.
