Steelers' George Pickens Has To Listen To The Advice Of Steve Smith Sr

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has been rolling this season, something that hasn't been seen in years. Arthur Smith deserves his flowers, getting the most out of Russell Wilson and Najee Harris. Another weapon that has shined in the new offense is George Pickens. He is currently top 10 in receiving yards and closing in on his best season in his young career. While his potential is through the roof, his on-field antics have to be toned down. 

Steve Smith, the former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver, was asked about Pickens' antics on the popular Pardon My Take podcast, where he related to Pickens. Smith, who is a semi-finalist for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, was not only a talented receiver, but was known for his drama on the field. Smith understands the media's narrative when it comes to Pickens, he lived it, but he believes that Pickens should take it down a notch. 

"He got to tone it down a little bit just because people are talking about it and I've been a guy that understands that when people are talking about you like that, there's going to be this assumed disposition about you," said Smith. "People are going to believe what they see or believe what other people may say, even though the context and that may not be all in line."

Smith would go on to say that Pickens needs to listen to Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin has a track record of working with highly talented wide receivers who let their emotions get the best of them and knows what's best for Pickens to succeed. Fans got to see Tomlin's relationship with Pickens firsthand on the first episode of HBO's Hard Knocks after Pickens was taken to the ground by Cam Taylor-Britt which resulted in a pick-six. Tomlin urges his wide receiver to keep his head in the game, which led to Pickens scoring the next possession.

"He has one of the best coaches out there who really rocks with you," said Smith. "If Mike T is telling you that you need to rein it in, then guess what, you need to rein it in because Mike T has been around a lot of special wide receivers. Guys who can change the game like that in your favor. He's also seen that some of these guys haven't managed themselves well, so he's speaking more from not, 'I'm better than,' but, 'I've seen this movie before and I know how the ending is, so you need to be careful.'"

Pickens has been under a microscope this season. Everything that he does that negatively affects the Steelers seems to be the main interest of media and fans. Smith wants Pickens to just play his game, to show off his talent without all of the antics after plays. 

Pickens is also playing for a new contract, as his rookie deal ends after the 2025 season. He would like to have a deal done sooner rather than later. While Pickens is a talented receiver with massive potential, the Steelers would like to see him mature before inking a long-term contract with the receiver. 

The Steelers receiver is having a nice 2024 campaign when it comes to his production. He is on pace to have a career year, hauling in 55 receptions for 850 yards with three touchdowns. With five games remaining, he will likely hit career highs in all major receiving categories.

Steelers Need Pickens To Mature And Just Play His Game

The Steelers have high hopes that Pickens can not only be their number one receiver for years to come, but be a good leader in the process. With incidents like on Thursday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns or unnecessary penalties, the Steelers' organization has to trust that Tomlin can mold Pickens into the player they need him to be. Pittsburgh is going to need Pickens at his best if they hope to end their dry spell of playoff success this season and compete for their seventh Lombardi trophy.

What are your thoughts on Smith's comments about Pickens? Do you think Pickens can cut down the antics? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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