Needing to boost a less-than convincing passing game is nothing new for the Baltimore Ravens, but solving the problem in 2026 NFL free agency by signing a wide receiver who’s a former member of the rival Pittsburgh Steelers would be out of the ordinary.
That’s just what the Ravens can do, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who names George Pickens as somebody who would be “a significant upgrade in Baltimore.”
It’s a move that makes some sense, but things could be complicated by Pickens’ status with the Dallas Cowboys after this season. Fowler pointed out “Pickens might be franchise-tagged by Dallas. But if available, the Ravens could use some of their $40 million in 2026 cap space on Pickens, knowing John Harbaugh is good at managing big personalities.”
The reference to head coach John Harbaugh and his ability to deal with Pickens is telling in two ways. First, because Harbaugh’s future, or at least the futures of his staff, are in doubt beyond what’s been a hugely frustrating season.
There’s also the not-so small matter of Pickens having a history of being accused of a perceived lack of effort. The outspoken wideout is still courting controversy, even during a prolific campaign.
Balancing those concerns alongside Pickens’ obvious skills as a dynamic field-stretcher would be a crucial judgement call for the Ravens.
George Pickens a Risk Ravens Can’t Ignore
There are obvious risks to handing Pickens a bumper contract, but the Ravens can’t ignore his ability to transform their passing game. The 24-year-old has already posted a career-best tally of 1,179 yards with four games still left to go this season.
Pickens is dominating because he’s getting vertical at will. His skills as a deep threat are shown by impressive career averages of 16 yards per reception and 11.6 yards before catch, per Pro Football Reference.
An ample demonstration of Pickens’ flair for taking the top off coverage came in Week 12, when he got free for this 42-yard catch against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Going deep isn’t the only way Pickens has been burning defenses this year. He’s also manufactured 382 yards after the catch, the second-highest number of his career.
The Cowboys are taking advantage of Pickens’ after-catch speed by targeting him on multiple slants. Like when he raced away for a 37-yard score against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
Plays like these have been missing from the Ravens’ wide receiver corps for too long.
Ravens Must Expand Passing Game
The Ravens know all about how Pickens can stretch the field. He posted 19 catches for 326 yards and a touchdown during five games against them in the AFC North, according to StatMuse.
Having similar numbers work in their favor might be enough incentive for the Ravens to pay Pickens. Particularly when they are averaging a modest 4.9 yards after catch per completion.
The Ravens have also mustered just five catches of 40-plus yards. Meanwhile, Pickens and the Cowboys are tied for the league lead with 11.
There’s an obvious need for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta to add greater big-play potential to a passing game still fronted by franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson.
He would surely appreciate a vertical target like Pickens, but the Ravens might want to cast their net wider than a generally uninspiring free-agency class. Especially after recent attempts to get help from big-name veterans haven’t panned out, with both Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins falling flat.
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