Steelers receiver George Pickens has shown high-end ability during nearly three seasons in the NFL. He also has flashed just enough frustration and anger to make some wonder how much of a problem he’d be without the influence of coach Mike Tomlin.
When Pickens crashed the post-game interview of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to hand out a pair of Christmas hugs, my first reaction was that, in the immediate aftermath of not beating them, Pickens was sending a message that he’d like to join them.
Whatever happens, Pickens becomes eligible for his second contract after Pittsburgh’s Week 18 game. Due to make only $1.625 million in 2025, Pickens might be looking for a financial reward ASAFP. (He might even want it before the wild-card round.)
He also might want to move on. And the Steelers might be at the point where they’re willing to move on from him.
Pittsburgh has shown that it has the ability to scout and to acquire talented receivers in the draft. They can find a new Pickens, in theory.
The better approach would be to find a way to work things out. Through three seasons, however, Tomlin hasn’t been able to get the situation completely under control.
So it’s entirely possible that Pickens has had enough of the Steelers, and/or that the Steelers have had enough of Pickens. It could come to a head as soon as the looming offseason. If not sooner.
