Several Steelers teammates reportedly had big issues with George Pickens

Different reports and speculation have emerged about the real reasons behind the Pickens trade. When a player gets moved, new stories that have been kept under wraps often surface. These behind-the-scenes details can shed light on what led to the decision. In Pickens’ case, it appears that the Steelers’ front office weighed more than just his on-field performance in making the trade.

On The Fan Morning Show on Thursday morning, Dorin Dickerson and Adam Crowley broke down that they had heard some stories about teammates not getting along with Pickens. According to their sources, certain players had issues with the young receiver’s attitude and behavior in the locker room. This dynamic, combined with the uncertainty surrounding his future contract, may have played a significant role in the Steelers’ decision to part ways with one of their top playmakers.

"He was an a**. His teammates didn’t like him," Crowley said. "I am reading more and more of that, Dorin… It ain’t surprising when a guy moves on and all those stories start to come out. The players under anonymity will tell you they didn’t even like this guy."

Dickerson chimed in, revealing that he had been receiving numerous messages with tips about Pickens. These messages included stories about teammates not getting along with him. 

It seemed that Pickens' relationship with some players was more complicated than originally thought. Which is shocking because many assumed this was the case but Dickerson and Crowley are making it sound even worse behind the scenes.

"Oh yeah, I am getting all kinds of messages sent to me," Dickerson said. "We got a lot of stories."

It’s no secret that Pickens faced his share of challenges in the Steel City. When he was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, many experts and scouts considered him the best wide receiver in the class. His talent was undeniable, but they also noted concerns about his attitude on the field, particularly when he wasn’t getting the ball, which led some to leave him off their draft boards entirely.

Despite those concerns, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers were undeterred and selected Pickens in the second round. Over his three seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens showcased incredible talent and potential, leaving many fans frustrated that he won't never reach his full potential in the Steel City. Even with a struggling offensive system and subpar quarterback play, Pickens managed to produce, but his reported issues with teammates hinted at a deeper problem.

Some Steelers Teammates Loved George Pickens

As with any workplace, disagreements are inevitable, and the same applies to a team like the Steelers. It’s entirely possible that many of Pickens’ teammates didn’t hate playing with him but felt they couldn’t get through to him. While some believe Pickens may be misunderstood, there were several instances when team leaders tried to connect with him. Ultimately, Tomlin felt it was time to move on and decided to trade him.

When the news broke, wide receiver Calvin Austin III shared a frowning face emoji on his Instagram story, showing his reaction. Nick Herbig also posted a message wishing Pickens the best. It’s clear that Pickens had friends in the locker room, but some professionals may have grown frustrated with his attitude behind the scenes. 

Steeler Nation will watch if Pickens becomes another former Steelers wide receiver who fades after leaving Pittsburgh. Or he could thrive in a better offensive system with the Cowboys and prove his critics wrong.