As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Los Angeles Chargers are a team to watch in the trade market. With the draft beginning on April 24th, head coach Jim Harbaugh and General Manager Joe Hortiz could explore a potential trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported that “Pickens is more available than people think” and that several teams, including the Green Bay Packers, have expressed interest. The Steelers have reportedly been fielding calls about Pickens, particularly after signing former Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf. Schultz notes, “Pickens is one intriguing trade name to watch. Pittsburgh has taken and made calls on the talented WR, who’s now extension-eligible. After paying Metcalf, league sources are skeptical the Steelers will pay two receivers.”
Pickens has demonstrated his ability as a No. 1 receiver for the Steelers. However, the addition of Metcalf in Pittsburgh potentially complicates the situation, creating a possible opportunity for a team like the Chargers to acquire him.
Should The Los Angeles Chargers Be Calling About George Pickens?
The Chargers are still seeking a true No. 1 receiver to pair with their talented quarterback, Justin Herbert. The question remains: Is the 24-year-old Pickens the answer for Herbert and Harbaugh in Los Angeles?
Acquiring Pickens would provide the Chargers with a new primary receiving target alongside second-year wideout Ladd McConkey. In 2024, McConkey had a breakout rookie season, leading the Chargers with 1,149 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, breaking franchise rookie records in both categories.
Pickens is entering his fourth season in the NFL and possesses significant potential. Over his three-year career, he has recorded 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the 2024 season alone, Pickens tallied 59 receptions for 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The big-bodied Pickens is recognized as one of the most physical receivers in the league.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s 2024 season saw him complete 332 of 504 passes for 3,870 yards, with 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He also contributed 306 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 69 attempts.
The Chargers have also brought back one of Herbert’s former favorite targets, receiver Mike Williams. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Williams spent time with both the New York Jets and Steelers last season, recording 21 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown.
Herbert and Williams played together for four seasons, during which Williams had 187 receptions for 2,797 yards in 44 games. Notably, Williams has caught 18 touchdown passes from Herbert, the second-most of any receiver he has played with in Los Angeles.
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