It’s funny how fast reputations change in the NFL. One minute you’re a rising star, the next you’re being clowned by your biggest rival. During a Ravens event last season, as Lamar Jackson unveiled his new cologne, a Baltimore player couldn’t resist a jab: “Smells like George Pickens… soft? Yeah, smells just like that!” The room cracked up, but for Steelers fans, it stung. The joke hit harder because Pickens’ on-field antics had already worn thin.

After drawing two personal foul penalties that cost his team 30 yards in a Week 13 win against the Bengals, head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t just upset — he was furious. And yet, even after the drama, Pickens refused to back down, flashing finger-gun signs on the field like a defiant gunslinger in a spaghetti Western. Sadly, for the Steelers, that was their second last win of the season as 5 consecutive losses (including the wild card round) saw a tame end to a promising season.

Now, as rumors swirl, it seems Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers might be ready to embrace the Steelers’ problem — and they’ve got plenty of cap space to make it happen. The NFL rumor mill is churning that Pickens could get a suitable bid from the AFC West team. In 14 games (12 as a starter) last year, he had 59 receptions in 900 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. That could give a major boost to Justin Herbert. They seriously lack receiving depth.

In 2024, the rookie WR Ladd McConkey gave maximum returns to Jim Harbaugh. In his first league season, he played 16 games (14 as a starter) and recorded 82 receptions for 1,149 yards with 7 touchdowns. Had Pickens played 16 games with a pass-heavy QB, he would be in that range easily.

He could also turn out to be a long-term weapon for the franchise. Just 24 years old, he has a long way to go. But the main criteria for the Chargers is their cap space. How much are they willing to shell out for the ace receiver? According to Over the Cap, that will not be an issue. The Chargers are 2nd in the league with $90 million cap space. Is the deal done then? Hold your horses!

We are waiting for other surprises as the free agency opens on Monday. It will give them a 3-day window to chalk out the moves.

Mike Tomlin outbids Jim Harbaugh for DK Metcalf

Before George Pickens, the LA Chargers were in a race for the Seahawks star, DK Metcalf. The 6-season veteran requested a trade from the franchise he joined as a rookie. And rumor was that he wanted to play for the AFC West team, But Mike Tomlin outbid Jim Harbaugh to bring the receiver into his fold.

The Steelers gave a 2nd round (number 52) pick to the Hawks and a 5-year $150 million contract extension to the WR. 2025 was the final year of his 3-year $72 million deal with the Seahawks. He has been outstanding in the league, with 3 seasons of 1000+ receiving yards. The Chargers had a real chance of getting him. But they thought he was too expensive with his $30 million price tag.

In the coming draft, they also have a 2nd round pick (number 55). So, that wouldn’t have been an issue. But Jim Harbaugh didn’t offer him the hefty deal. So now they are left with 2 other options. First is NY Giants WR Darius Slayton. The other one is their former player, now Bears WR Keenan Allen.

Both of them had normal outings in 2024, with 700+ yards. Will they go for either of these two? Or will the Chargers HC get even with the Steelers by grabbing George Pickens?