The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a busy offseason so far in 2025, and that included the organization parting ways with wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens was entering the final year of his deal in 2025, and he had failed to show any signs of maturity up until this point of his career. He was constantly creating issues on the field by throwing tantrums on the sideline or showing a lack of effort, which certainly created some issues in the locker room. Fans definitely saw the trade coming, but after the team made it through the 2025 NFL Draft with Pickens still on the roster, it came as a shock.
Corey Wernecke / Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens during Organized Team Activities in 2025.
A factor that went into the Steelers trading away Pickens was the fact that the organization had acquired and extended DK Metcalf after completing a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. This made Pickens somewhat expendable, especially since the franchise had no plans to extend before the expiration of his rookie deal.
It has been thought that the organization grew tired of Pickens' antics, and it also just made sense for him to be traded to acquire draft assets. However, during a recent post on X, Pickens seems to reveals that he actually forced his way out of Pittsburgh.
I forced buddy . They were gladly keeping me 😁😁😁😁 have a nice day and a blessed one my guy
— Gp 🩻🩻 (@2pezzy_) May 31, 2025
Pickens has grown tired of Pittsburgh fans saying that he was a problem which led to him being traded, which made him say that he forced the trade. Has he actually requested a trade, that would have been reported by now. He has one of the best agents in all of sports in David Mulugheta, and he certainly would not have allowed this much time to pass without revealing a trade request. The trade just makes his client look bad otherwise.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers receiver George Pickens practices before a Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Pickens clearly has all the talent in the world, but he struggles to stay engaged in games if things are not going his way. He has some games where he seemingly just checks out and doesn't run his routes to his best ability, and that is utterly unacceptable at the NFL level. Hopefully going to Dallas keeps the young wide receiver motivated, as he now gets to play within a competent offense with consistent quarterback play for the first time in his career.
The receiver could be telling the truth. He could have requested the trade, it is just weird that it has not been reported. It would be completely understandable if he did. He wasn't schemed open enough in the offense like a number one wide receiver should be, the quarterback play has been atrocious, and it didn't look like it was going to get any better during the 2025 season.
Pickens will probably have the best season of his career in 2025, which should set him up for a decent pay day in free agency following the season.
Photo by Nick Cammett / Getty Images
Former Steelers receiver George Pickens celebrates with his teammates after a big time touchdown.
Steelers' Former Wide Receiver Could Get Career Back On Track
Pickens needs to take advantage of the 2025 season. He is in the best situation he has ever been in. It is a pass-heavy offense with a veteran quarterback, and he gets to play alongside CeeDee Lamb. That duo is one of the scariest in the league, and there is no doubt that Pickens will have the best season of his career if he is able to remain healthy. He should set him up for a big contract, although it might not be in Dallas.
Dallas has a large pay roll, and the organization still has to pay Micah Parsons. Both Lamb and Dak Prescott received extensions in 2024, so there isn't much money to go around for Pickens. He will likely be on his third team in 2026, but it should be on a fairly lucrative and long deal.
What do you think of Pickens' comments? Let us know in the comments below!
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