Steelers Take Backlash On Usage Of George Pickens: "He's Special But They Don't Use Him In That Sense"

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has shown himself to be a bit of a diva. While many say this isn't unusual for players at skill positions, it is hard to deny that it is sometimes distracting. Pickens had taken heat from fans and the media for being a selfish player who appears more worried about his stat line than his team's wins. The flip side is that Pickens is an exceptional talent. He makes some of the most incredible contested catches in the league and is constantly fodder for highlight reels. The question is how to balance that talent and that attitude. 

Pickens has given up on plays when the ball isn't coming his way. This can lead to defensive players breaking free and wreaking havoc. That happened during the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, which led to Justin Reid intercepting Wilson. Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe called Pickens out for giving up on that play and causing the interception on his podcast Nightcap with former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson. Sharpe and Johnson agree Pickens' talent isn't being used correctly.  

"Pickens is going to have to stop being so emotional on every play," said Sharpe. "Every play he doesn't get the ball, like oh my goodness, oh Lord, have mercy. I know he's a phenomenal talent, the difficulty of the catches that he makes on a consistent basis, but if he were to channel a lot of that energy, I don't think he realize just how good he can be. I don't think he realizes he got special abilities."

That emotional behavior or attitude has shown itself in multiple ways. It has been in the form of fighting with opponents, as he did in the loss to the Cleveland Browns with Greg Newsome II. That fight led fans to accuse Pickens of not giving maximum effort on Wilson's Hail Mary pass attempt. 

He has also been known to talk trash when it is not warranted. He was accused of writing checks the offense can't cash, and it has happened several times this season, most notably against the Browns. Johnson said he isn't making excuses for Pickens, but thinks the Steelers aren't maximizing his abilities. If they used him properly, Johnson believes he could do what the top receivers in the league are doing, including Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. 

"I wish they would realize it too and maximize his potential," added Johnson. "Put him in different positions to make some of those plays outside of go ball here, go ball there. Move him around, let him touch it early. You know he's a playmaker. I've seen him glance and go to the house. He can do some of the same things that Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase can do, he's special, but they don't use him in that sense."

Pickens is the Steelers' leading receiver; one of his best features has always been his availability. He never missed a game until this season with his recent hamstring injury. His absence was felt as the offense struggled to move the ball without him. 

The Steelers have already secured a playoff spot, but will need to get Pickens on board through whatever means necessary and fix their defensive woes.  

Should The Steelers Extend George Pickens?

After the 2024 season ends, the Steelers must decide Pickens' future with the team. He is still on his rookie contract and will be eligible for an extension during the 2025 offseason. 

Without the distraction of Diontae Johnson, many expected Pickens to step up as a leader on the offense. However, with that not happening, many wonder if he is worth the risk. The Steelers extended Johnson in 2022 and hoped he would step up after dealing with non-stop drama from Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster.  

Who do you think is right - Sharpe saying that Pickens just needs to step up, or Johnson saying the Steelers need to utilize him better? Click to comment below. 

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