Ex-Steelers WR George Pickens Quickly Sends Strange Message To Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines on Monday morning after a blockbuster trade took place. The team sent star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The deal caught many off guard, but fans are showing growing excitement about the fresh talent, especially with Ramsey expected to bring a new level of energy to the defense and Smith adding versatility to the offense.

This move came just months after the Steelers traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The Pickens trade stirred controversy, and the receiver has not hidden his frustration. He has been active on social media and appears irritated by the constant mentions from Steelers fans, who have continued to discuss him even after his departure.

Following Fitzpatrick’s trade, Pickens took to his Instagram account on Monday to send a message to his former teammate. He posted a photo of Fitzpatrick in a Steelers uniform with a short caption that many believe reflects his own experience. With both players now gone, the post added another layer to the drama surrounding a wild offseason in Pittsburgh.

"Super happy for you broski," Pickens said to Fitzpatrick. "Back to beautiful places in life lol."

When the Steelers traded Pickens away months ago, it sent shockwaves through the fan base. Many were upset to see one of the team’s most explosive young talents shipped off, especially after showing so much promise in his first three seasons. Others, however, felt the move was justified. 

There had been growing concerns about Pickens becoming a distraction, both on and off the field. Still, regardless of personal opinions, few questioned his raw ability. Pickens brought highlight-reel catches, intensity, and a physical edge to the Steelers offense, and many fans remain disappointed that he’s no longer wearing the black and gold.

Now, with Fitzpatrick being traded to the Dolphins, the team that originally drafted him, attention has once again shifted to what feels like a broader theme involving key players moving on from Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick’s departure surprised many, but what caught just as much attention was Pickens’ reaction. 

Not long after the news broke, Pickens posted a message on Instagram directed at Fitzpatrick, congratulating him. While the post was brief, it seemed to carry a deeper meaning, possibly hinting at shared frustrations with their time in Pittsburgh. Pickens clearly hasn’t let go of how his own departure unfolded, and he may be viewing Fitzpatrick’s trade as another sign of a player finding freedom after leaving the Steelers.

It wouldn’t be fair to speak for Pickens or assume exactly what he meant, but it is fair to speculate. His message seemed to hint that both he and Fitzpatrick now find themselves in better, more freeing situations. Whether it’s the cities they’re in, the organizations they’ve joined, or simply the change of scenery, there’s a sense that Pickens believes they’ve left behind something toxic. 

If his post was indeed suggesting that Fitzpatrick, like himself, is now free from the "mess" in Pittsburgh, it speaks volumes about how at least some former players feel about the current state of the organization.

Steelers' Omar Khan Has Been Super Aggressive Since Taking Over

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has operated this team in a way unlike anything fans have seen before. He hasn’t been afraid to move on from cornerstone players in pursuit of improving the roster. Khan appears to have a clear vision for the direction Pittsburgh needs to go, and he’s been bold in making it happen.

However, the Steelers seem to be caught between two approaches—trying to get younger while also maximizing a veteran-heavy roster. It’s a delicate balance, but one that Khan is clearly committed to managing. The Steelers are going all in for the 2025 season, and that has become increasingly clear with the aggressive moves Khan has made so far.

#SteelerNation