George Pickens was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, and fans had the same reaction.
Over the last several years, the Steelers have had several good receivers who have also had big personalities. Pickens is the latest of their players in that vein. Fans commented that if Mike Tomlin, who has endured the likes of Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant, was ready to move on from Pickens, that was a bad sign.
Mike Tomlin who put up with Antonio Brown didn't want George Pickens anymore. That tells you all you need to know. https://t.co/uZX2eXe3xR
— Vince (@V_tabs1984) May 8, 2025
Mike Tomlin has underachieved in the playoffs, for sure.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) May 7, 2025
But having to deal with Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and George Pickens should make Mike Tomlin a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame selection.
Mike Tomlin made Leveon Bell, AB, Martavis Bryant, Dionate Johnson, ect seem sane only for their career to fall apart the second they left Pittsburgh. Even Mike Tomlin couldn’t make George Pickens look sane. He is talented as hell but I have my doubts Schottenheimer can do that.
— Monte (@MONTECRI5TO) May 7, 2025
Also, I wonder where all the “George Pickens is a great teammate, has no immaturity issues and all of this is just haters tryin’ hate” crowd who flooded social media and talk shows after the draft at now? Mike Tomlin had enough of the guy and that speaks volumes
— Paul Zeise (@PaulZeise) May 7, 2025
The Cowboys were not dissuaded and gave up a third-round pick for Pickens.
The Steelers reportedly traded Pickens because they had had enough of his behaviorial issues. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin openly called on Pickens to “grow up” toward the end of last season.
Pickens was a second-round pick (No. 52 overall) by the Steelers in 2022. He had 59 catches for 900 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. He has averaged 62 catches for 1,006 yards and 4 touchdowns per season over his three years in the league. The 24-year-old wide receiver is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
