NFL analyst Mike Florio braces for Patrick Mahomes to potentially receive Russell Wilson’s top Steelers playmaker

Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson squared off for the third time in two seasons on Christmas. While Wilson had the last year to flex bragging rights over Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback took back those rights, winning the contest 29-10.

During the game, wide receiver George Pickens was visibly upset, and based on a post-game interaction with Mahomes and Travis Kelce, one NFL analyst braced for what could come.

"There was a weird moment after the game when Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are getting their big shiny red coats like them. ... Here comes George Pickens out of nowhere, hugging both of them," Mike Florio said. [00:00:21]

"That moment made me think that this off-season, he's three seasons in, he's eligible for a second contract. What are they going to do at quarterback next year? There's just a lot of factors that come into that, but I'm starting to think that. Who knows? Maybe it's reaching the end of the road for the Steelers and George Pickens," he added.

George Pickens has been widely claimed to be the game-changing wide receiver for Wilson. According to The Sporting News, Wilson's QBR, completion percentage and win-loss have all taken hits without Pickens.

Exploring contract situation for Russell Wilson's top playmaker

Russell Wilson at Steelers at Ravens - Source: Getty

Russell Wilson's wide receiver might have a shot at free agency, but his contract dictates that he wait. Per Over the Cap, the wide receiver has one more season on his standard rookie deal.

As it currently stands, George Pickens could be a free agent as soon as the offseason following the conclusion of the 2025 season. However, Pickens would need to avoid getting hit with a fifth-year option.

On top of that, if he were to get hit with the option, which would extend his Steelers career at least until 2026, there is the question of whether the Steelers would franchise tag him.

At this point, the quickest way out of Russell Wilson's wide receiving unit might be to either ask for a release or tank his production to a level where the Steelers would feel necessary to release him or not renew his contract.

Of course, if he were to do this, the Chiefs might not be interested in adding him with a down-trending resume and/or a history of quitting on teams for personal benefit.

Could Pickens eventually end up with Patrick Mahomes like former Steelers receiver Juju Smith-Schuster?

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.