Steelers May Have Been Motivated To Trade George Pickens For One Troubling Reason

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold roster move on Wednesday by trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. It was previously speculated that a Pickens trade was in the works, given that the receiver was on the last year of his contract and was not thought to be extended. The Steelers organization may have been torn on whether or not to extend Pickens, and when Dallas made an offer, Pittsburgh simply saw it as their best chance to get the most value out of the receiver.

Pickens has become known for his fiery outbursts and repeated fights with opposing teams' players. Although Pickens is undeniably an exceptional receiver, his character flaws may have played a role in the Steelers trading him.

On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor spoke on 93.7 The Fan and discussed the Steelers trading Pickens. When asked if his tendency to lose his temper had an effect on the trade, Pryor said it did. Pryor said that Pickens was involved in nonstop drama throughout the 2024 season and that all of it was piling up to become a distraction for other Steelers players.

"I think that it was a very common sentiment throughout the last season, even the last couple of seasons," said Pryor. "It felt like more often than not, George had done something or had some demonstration on the sidelines, but whatever it was, it felt like every single week we were having to ask other teammates about things that Pickens was doing, even if they were winning, and if they were losing, then it becomes more frustrating. I think there was a level of annoyance and frustration."

Pickens' behavior may be understandable for a rookie; however, the receiver has failed to mature and learn from his mistakes. Pryor went on to say that Pickens has never made himself available to take responsibility for his actions or explain anything he had done. It may have been a point of frustration for Pickens' teammates on the Steelers that he didn't own up to his actions.

The Steelers may have been inclined to ignore Pickens' temperament due to the fact that the receiver was wildly talented. However, once Pickens neared the end of his contract, the Steelers used the opportunity to trade him.

Not everyone has soured on Pickens as a player or as a teammate. ESPN analyst Peter Schrager said that Pickens isn't an uncoachable player and that the wide receiver is well-liked in Pittsburgh. It's most likely that there are largely mixed feelings towards him. Players and others within the organization either love or hate the receiver. 

Pryor also mentioned that the Steelers' offense is light on older, veteran leaders and that the team needs its younger players to step up. As talented as he is, Pickens failed to rise to the occasion in Pittsburgh, not as a player, but as a teammate reportedly.

Steelers' Wide Receiver Room Is Shuffled Before The Beginning Of The 2025 Season

With the loss of Pickens, the Steelers will likely heavily rely on one of their newest additions, DK Metcalf. Metcalf was acquired by the Steelers early in the offseason through a bombshell trade. Many were excited to see Metcalf and Pickens working side by side; however, in hindsight, Metcalf may have been signed specifically as a replacement for Pickens.

The Steelers will also be relying on receiver Roman Wilson to take on a greater role on the team. Wilson suffered two major injuries in his inaugural season, which held him back and kept him on the sidelines. With Wilson fully recovered, he reportedly looks like an entirely new player. With a skilled quarterback throwing them the ball, Metcalf and Wilson could become a solid wide receiver duo.