Arthur Smith Just Exposed Why The Steelers Couldn't Keep George Pickens: "Weird Emojis And Passive-Aggressive Things"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a controversial move for some, and a wise move for others in the fan base, when they traded away George Pickens ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The team had recently acquired superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf and committed top wide receiver money to him, making the decision to move Pickens even more surprising. Many assumed this move would instantly turn the Steelers’ offense into a dominant unit with Metcalf on one side and Pickens on the other. The idea of that duo had Steeler Nation buzzing with excitement and high expectations for what the offense could achieve.

Even former QB Ben Roethlisberger took to social media to tease a return when he heard about the idea of Metcalf and Pickens as a duo. That vision never fully materialized as expected. The Steelers’ front office appeared to have grown frustrated with what they perceived as constant distractions associated with Pickens. Fans have speculated for months about the reasons behind the trade, but few had the full context. The move raised questions about team culture and the type of environment the Steelers wanted to foster in the locker room. For many, the decision made sense on paper, but left a lingering curiosity about the real factors that prompted the trade.

Some clarity came when Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith recently spoke to the media via a team-provided transcript. While he did not directly name Pickens, his comments hinted at the importance of communication and team dynamics. Smith emphasized the way players interact with each other and how the Steelers value direct, in-person conversations over social media or indirect communication. His remarks offered fans insight into the underlying issues that may have contributed to Pickens’ departure and provided a framework for understanding why the team made such a significant decision before the 2025 season.

"We certainly communicate a ton," Smith said while speaking to the media. "I think the more you get to know people and trust, just having real conversations. Maybe go old-school, instead of getting on social media and sending weird emojis and passive-aggressive things, you just have a real conversation person to person, just the way it should be."

For many Steelers fans, it was clear that Pickens’ fire on the field sometimes disrupted his ability to stay focused for an entire season. 

He was undeniably an elite talent and one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but too often, Mike Tomlin and Smith appeared frustrated with his mentality. 

"I love these guys," Smith said. "We've got a lot of good guys in there. All the guys want to do is win. The guys don't care who gets the credit."

Steelers Ex-WR George Pickens Has Career Year In Dallas

Anytime Pickens had a bad moment, he seemed to post strange emojis, share cryptic messages, delete pictures, or even unfollow Kenny Pickett. It was always something. Despite racking up 81 receptions for 1,212 yards and eight touchdowns through 14 games, Smith and the Steelers’ brass seemed to believe that the potential chemistry between Pickens and Metcalf was not worth having a player whose mindset they felt could prevent the team from winning.

For Pickens, it is clear that he was somewhat misunderstood in the Steel City. He now seems to be in a better situation with the Cowboys and has likely positioned himself for a big contract, assuming he can stay engaged for the remainder of the season. It is equally clear that Smith does not miss having Pickens on the roster.

Do you believe that Arthur Smith was indirectly talking about his former wide receiver George Pickens? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

#SteelerNation