Ex Steelers Star Defends Cowboys Receiver George Pickens

FRISCO - New Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens has plenty of critics. Included among them - with their actions more than words - are the Pittsburgh Steelers, who decided to trade him rather than pair him with newly acquired DK Metcalf to form a dynamic duo.

While Pickens' antics have been well-documented, turns out he did have a huge advocate in Pittsburgh as well.

During an appearance on former NBA star Carmelo Anthony's podcast this week, former Steelers quarterback and current New York Giants starter Russell Wilson talked glowingly about his former teammate.

"I love George," Wilson said. "His ability to catch the football is one of a kind. Anything in his vicinity, he's [going to] catch it. On a serious note, he's misunderstood. He wants to be great, you know? I think, also, too, his ability, where he can take it from not just being great, to being one of the world's best, I think he has that in him."

Despite a habit of being late to meetings and practice and several on-field incidents that led to fights and fines, the Cowboys traded for Pickens on May 7. With new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, they believe they have the locker-room culture that can not only handle Pickens, but get the best out of him.

While playing with Wilson last season during an eight-game stretch, Pickens caught 33 passes for 537 yards and three touchdowns. He had no touchdown playing with quarterback Justin Fields in Weeks 1-6.

The Cowboys are hoping Pickens can mesh with Dak Prescott and give the quarterback a No. 1a weapon opposite All-Pro CeeDee Lamb.