Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has one-word reaction to George Pickens promotion

Entering his third year as a pro, George Pickens is taking on his most significant career challenge: A promotion to the No. 1 wide receiver role.

While young players typically welcome such a promotion, the lack of depth at the spot could be problematic for Pickens. In the past two seasons, he’s displayed unbecoming behavior when things don’t go his way.

When asked about his confidence level in Pickens handling the extra attention from defenses positively, Mike Tomlin did not hesitate. “Absolutely,” he said in his weekly press conference.

Until someone beyond Pickens emerges as a threat to opponents, he’s where pass defenses will be focused.

Pittsburgh’s depth is an issue known around the league after the team failed to bring in an established pass-catching veteran this offseason after trading their top-producing receiver, Diontae Johnson.

Van Jefferson, whom the team signed as a free agent days after sending Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, must step up in a big way — and quickly. He spent the 2023 season on two teams and contributed just 578 yards and three touchdowns over the past two years.