Mike Tomlin Finally Gives Clear Answer On Why The Steelers Traded George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been quiet on the trade market dating back to General Manager Omar Khan being promoted in May of 2022. The front office has consistently been looking to better the roster, while simultaneously focusing on the future of the team. This occurred when the organization agreed on a deal with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire DK Metcalf back in 2025. It appeared as if the depth chart was set up to have a strong one-two punch in the newcomer and George Pickens. Then, just a couple of months after, the franchise dealt its leading receiver from 2024 to the Dallas Cowboys for a third-round selection.

The decision turned out to be a poor one in hindsight. While there is no way to really tell how Pickens would have performed if he had stayed with the Steelers, he was phenomenal with the Cowboys. In 2025, the pass-catcher hauled in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. It was the best year of his career, and it wasn't particularly close.

Former head coach Mike Tomlin was always viewed as being someone who related to players well and had their backs no matter what. Despite that, he had to have been on board with trading Pickens when Pittsburgh did. That is why it was extremely intriguing when he spoke a little bit about the situation on Thursday when making an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.

Months after he stepped down from his post as the Steelers' leader, Tomlin would accept a role with Football Night in America. Because of this, he has been getting his feet wet within the media. During his lengthy discussion with Rich Eisen, he touched on exactly why the Steelers decided to part ways with Pickens when they did in 2025.

"If they're developing in the right ways, then you do second business with them," Tomlin said. "It didn't happen for us with George, but it doesn't necessarily mean that he's not gonna be a spectacular player."

Pickens will look to continue to build on his recent success, but it won't be with a new long-term contract. The wide receiver signed the franchise tag, so he still doesn't necessarily have a future in Dallas. Tomlin noted that the Steelers traded for Metcalf for a reason, and his words made it seem like it was always in the plans to deal Pickens.

"For us, I just thought, it's not only [about] play. It's development in other areas, intangible areas," Tomlin stated. "I think when you're a high-dollar, second-contract guy, I think there's some leadership responsibilities, and things of that nature. We felt better about DK's abilities in those areas."

Pittsburgh didn't think that Pickens was going to turn his locker room character around, which immediately led to some complications. Because Metcalf's deal was worth roughly $30 million per year, there was never going to be enough cash to pay Pickens, too. Thus, making a trade and getting some capital in return made sense at the time.

Time will tell if the Steelers handled the Pickens situation the right way or not. If he goes on to have another monster campaign, and inks a lucrative deal in Dallas, or anywhere else, that will truly be when his leadership abilities are tested. It might be hard for the Cowboys to get something done because of the contracts of CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.

Tomlin giving this information is a firsthand account of what really happened behind closed doors. Tomlin, Khan and other decision-makers seemed to not think that Pickens was going to be a good long-term investment for a number of reasons. Pittsburgh picked Metcalf over Pickens, and that much is now known to be true over a year later.

Steelers Need Metcalf To Have A Breakout Season

Pickens is still being discussed in Pittsburgh because of Metcalf's underwhelming first season in the Steel City. A lot of the regret that the fan base has for the franchise could quickly subside if the $30-million dollar man shows up in a big way throughout 2026. Otherwise, the Steelers are going to continue to be ridiculed, especially after Tomlin's most recent comments.

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