Insider Reveals Secrets Behind Steelers' George Pickens' Silent Struggles And Blames Mike Tomlin

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, there were concerns about him. Scouts had pointed to maturity issues, which led to him falling lower than expected on draft boards. Despite the slip, Pickens entered the league with a chip on his shoulder, eager to prove the doubters wrong and show that he was ready to make an immediate impact.

Through three seasons, Pickens has been productive, even in the face of a struggling offense. His talent has been undeniable, but his maturity issues have surfaced at times, casting a shadow over his potential. One of the most notable incidents came after the 2024 season, when Steelers insider Mike DeFabo revealed that Pickens was late to the Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, raising concerns about his commitment and discipline.

CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala also shared some inside information about how Head Coach Mike Tomlin handles Pickens and his ongoing issues. According to Kinkhabwala, Tomlin hasn't worked closely enough with Pickens to help him mature. The wide receiver’s struggles with punctuality and consistency remain a challenge. Despite his undeniable talent, it’s clear that Pickens’ road to greatness may be hindered by his off-field behaviors unless he can make some serious changes.

"Every great team that l've ever been around has very strong, authentic player leadership," Kinkhabwala said. "And this is an area where the Steelers have been lacking... Another area where Mike Tomlin needs some help is accountability... If Mike Tomlin doesn't want to be the bad cop, then somebody else in that building has to be the bad cop."

Tomlin was recently asked about the reports of Pickens being late to the Christmas Day game, and his response raised some eyebrows. Rather than directly addressing the issue, Tomlin offered a somewhat evasive reply, attempting to shield Pickens. 

He stated that he couldn’t remember, citing the fact that the incident occurred several weeks ago. Kinkhabwala continued to share some more info regarding Pickens.

"George Pickens has been late since he arrived to the Steelers," Kinkhabwala said. "He doesn't show up on time to meetings. He doesn't show up on time to games... The Christmas Day game against the Chiefs, he showed up after inactives were due. Mike Tomlin wouldn't even answer that question straight up. At some point, just fining a player is toothless."

Pickens has shown his frustration on the field, particularly when his team is losing. His emotions have sometimes gotten the best of him, leading to penalties for taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct. When these incidents occurred, Tomlin held him publicly accountable, stating that he needed to grow up quickly. 

While this was a clear message to Pickens in the media, Kinkhabwala believes Tomlin hasn’t done enough behind closed doors to truly address the underlying issues and maintain control of the situation.

Despite his behavior, Pickens remains an undeniable talent and a fan favorite for many Steelers supporters. However, there is also a faction of fans who view him as a headache and believe he may be better off elsewhere. As Pickens enters the final season of his rookie deal in 2025, the debate rages on. 

Some feel the Steelers should trade him while they can still get something in return, while others believe extending him would be a wise move to keep his potential in Pittsburgh for the long term.

Steelers' George Pickens Is Allegedly Having Some Trouble Showing Up On Time

Pickens is a misunderstood player, clearly frustrated by the fact that he knows he could be doing more to help a struggling offense. Over the past three years, he’s been the Steelers’ main source of offensive excitement, showcasing his undeniable talent. While he has every right to be frustrated, some of the reports surrounding him are simply unacceptable.

At just 23 years old, Pickens has plenty of growing up to do, as Tomlin himself has pointed out. To remain with the Steelers, he needs to prove he can be a professional both on and off the field. If he doesn't, his time in Pittsburgh could be short-lived. It’s possible that Pickens himself may even want out, recognizing that he could thrive in a better situation. 

Hearing an insider criticize Tomlin for how he’s handling Pickens adds an intriguing layer to the drama. The fact that Pickens has been late throughout his entire career only adds fuel to the fire surrounding him.