The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an offseason where the front office made a bunch of aggressive moves. Many spots on the roster were turned over during the 2025 offseason, with wide receiver being one of the major talking points. Pittsburgh brought in DK Metcalf after a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, and the franchise eventually decided to part ways with George Pickens who was sent to the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens was a talented player with the Steelers, but it was clear the relationship between him and the franchise had been tarnished, which ultimately led to him being dealt.
Corey Wernecke / Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens during Organized Team Activities in 2025.
The fan base in Pittsburgh had grown to be split when it came to Pickens. Many fans loved the exciting wide receiver, while others were tired of his antics that often hurt the team. He consistently got flagged between the whistles, and he would clearly get frustrated and check out of games at certain points. He had a good game with Dallas on Sunday as they were able to take down the New York Giants in an overtime thriller, and he spoke with Josina Anderson after the contest in the locker room.
"The last place I was at, just coming in with a group of guys who was good guys, but were all rookies, got a rookie QB, so I couldn't really thrive and show the world the potential I have," Pickens said. "I had to wait a few years, and then it eventually showed. I get to the Cowboys, and then today, I get to show it again, and we win."
Pickens was clearly talking about his time with Kenny Pickett, as both players were drafted back in 2022 with Pittsburgh's first two picks. Some expected that the two would be a great duo for the Steelers for many years, but that was not the case at all. Pickett struggled and he was eventually traded after his second season with the Steelers, and Pickens was dealt after three years with the franchise.
Eagles Press Conference
Former Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett speaks to the Philadelphia media.
Pickett has been traded three times in his career, including two times since the end of the 2024 season. He won Super Bowl LIX as the backup to Jalen Hurts while he was with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was then traded to the Cleveland Browns where he was a part of the most notable quarterback competition in the league. Now, he is the backup quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The quarterback is not the player Pittsburgh thought he was when drafting him, which certainly put a damper on the start to Pickens' career. He is now in a much more favorable situation in Dallas where he is playing in the best offensive system he has seen, and he has the best quarterback play of his career. Week 1 was rough for Pickens, but he bounced back in Week 2 as he caught five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
AP photo
Ex-Steelers wide receiver George Pickens getting coached by Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a road game against the Colts.
Steelers Could End Up Regretting Their Decision To Move George Pickens
Pickens clearly has the talent to be a great wide receiver in the NFL, he just needed to show some maturity and become more of a professional. He seems to be doing that somewhat with the Cowboys, and his favorable situation could lead to better play, which might make Pittsburgh regret trading him. He is catching balls from the best quarterback he has played with in Dak Prescott, and he also gets to play alongside one of the best wideouts in the NFL in CeeDee Lamb.
The young wide receiver is now able to thrive in Dallas, and there is a chance he is only going to get better as the 2025 season continues to move along. He has the chance to put up big numbers, which won't make the deal look good for Pittsburgh in the slightest.
What do you think about Pickens' comments? Do you miss him in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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