Steelers thinking big payday for top wide receiver

NFL wide receivers are cashing in. This offseason has set the market for elite wideouts with the top players getting huge paydays. This is part of the snag with the Pittsburgh Steelers attempting to trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Trading for Aiyuk is only half the battle. Even if the Steelers are able to work out a compensation package the Niners are happy with, they still have to get Aiyuk to agree to a new contract extension to join the team and he wants big money.

But maybe there is a third factor slowing things down. According to Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac, the Steelers view George Pickens as the top receiver on the team and are eyeing a big contract extension for him.

“The Steelers see Pickens as their No. 1 receiver and intend to pay him like it,” Dulac said.

Pickens is set to hit free agency in 2026. He had a breakout season in 2024 with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards.