Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins contracts may have sealed George Pickens' fate with Steelers

The soon-to-be most expensive wide receiver duo in NFL history, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are expected to sign contract extensions with the Cincinnati Bengals worth a combined $70 million per year—and that is terrible news for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Star WR George Pickens, one of the more polarizing receivers in the NFL today due to his on- and off-the-field antics, is due for a massive payday in 2026—but it likely won't be in the Steel City. Some may argue that if the Bengals can retain both Chase and Higgins, then the Pittsburgh Steelers could sign extensions for both DK Metcalf and Pickens—but that is completely unrealistic.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several key contract extensions due at the end of 2025—not just their diva-esque receiver—including T.J. Watt, DeShon Elliott, Isaac Seumalo, and Jaylen Warren, all of whom deserve to be paid before Pickens.

Not to mention, the Bengals may suffer the long-term consequences of committing this money to their offense instead of addressing their defense, which is already considered one of the worst in the NFL.

The Bengals are expected to pay $70M per year to WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins when their deals are finalized😳💰

Chase is expected to receive an extension worth over $40M per year, and Higgins’ deal will be near $30M per year. pic.twitter.com/vQyjClnS9l
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) March 15, 2025

With Chase projected to earn $40 million per year and Higgins $30 million, retaining Pickens becomes near impossible—and the Pittsburgh Steelers need to do the right thing ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft by trading him while his value is high.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: George Pickens could be traded after Bengals re-signed Chase, Higgins

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