The Pittsburgh Steelers recently traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for future draft picks. While Pickens was often viewed as a controversial figure due to his on and off the field behavior, there’s no denying that he played a significant role in the Steelers’ offense over the past few seasons.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan recently spoke to the media regarding Pickens' time in Pittsburgh, offering some insight into the team's decision to move on from the wide receiver. Steelers insider and writer Brian Batko shared Khan’s comments on X, highlighting the GM’s perspective on Pickens' time with the team and what the future may hold for both the player and the organization moving forward.
The exact reasoning behind the Pickens trade has not yet been officially confirmed by the Steelers, but it’s reassuring to see that there appears to be no lingering bad blood between the player and the organization. Pickens has also already met with the Dallas media, and did so respectfully, as he had nothing negative to say about his time in Pittsburgh. This display of professionalism may come as a surprise to some, given his reputation for having a fiery personality and occasionally making controversial remarks.
Throughout his NFL career, Pickens has gotten a lot of attention for not only for his impressive athletic ability, but also for various behavioral concerns that have raised questions about his attitude. Known for being outspoken and emotional, Pickens has had multiple incidents, both on and off the field that have raised red flags for coaches, teammates, and fans. He’s displayed visible frustration during games, including emotional sideline outbursts and moments where his effort appeared to drop. Off the field, his activity on social media has stirred controversy, leading many to question his maturity. While there’s no denying his passion for the game, these recurring attitude issues have at times overshadowed his on-field performance.
Despite the controversies, Pickens played a vital role in the Steelers' offense over the past few seasons. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards last year and topped the entire NFL in average yards per catch, posting an impressive 18.1 yards per reception in 2023. During his time in Pittsburgh, he built a strong statistical resume, totaling 2,841 receiving yards, 174 catches, and 12 touchdowns.
The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 52nd overall pick. However, being drafted by a team doesn’t guarantee a long-term stay. In this case, the trade appears to have been in the best interest of both sides, the Steelers clearly didn’t view Pickens as a long-term piece of their offensive scheme, and the move gives Pickens a fresh start with a new organization. With his rookie contract set to expire after the 2025 NFL season, he now has the opportunity to prove he’s worthy of the kind of lucrative deals being handed out to top receivers across the league.
The Steelers Saw Long-Term Potential In A Different Wide Receiver
Although Pickens didn’t appear to align with the Steelers’ long-term offensive vision, the team made a major statement earlier this offseason by acquiring veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. To solidify their commitment, the Steelers signed Metcalf to a substantial five-year, $150 million contract. Additionally, during the 2025 NFL Draft, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith shared with the media his vision for building an explosive offense, where Metcalf will play a key role in bringing to life this upcoming season.
