Steelers receiver George Pickens has shown top quality during nearly three seasons in the NFL. He has also expressed just enough frustration and anger to make some wonder how much of a problem he would be without coach Mike Tomlin’s influence.
When Pickens crashed the post-match interview of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to give out some Christmas hugs, my initial reaction was that, in the immediate aftermath of not beating them, Pickens sent a message saying he’d like to join them .
No matter what happens, Pickens will be eligible for his second contract after the Pittsburgh game in Week 18. Since Pickens will only make $1.625 million in 2025, he may be looking for a financial reward ASAFP. (He might even want it before the wild-card round.)
He might want to move on too. And the Steelers may be at the point where they’re willing to part with him.
Pittsburgh has shown it has the ability to scout and recruit talented receivers in the draft. In theory, they can find a new Pickens.
The better approach would be to find a way to fix things. However, for three seasons, Tomlin has not been able to fully take control of the situation.
So it’s entirely possible that Pickens is fed up with the Steelers, and/or the Steelers are fed up with Pickens. Things could come to a head once the impending offseason begins. If not sooner.
