In 2022, George Pickens came to Pittsburgh with the highlight reel to support his swagger as a future WR1. Steelers Nation hoped that the second-round pick could someday take the lead in the wide receiver room. Because of his spectacular grabs and on-field bluster. Pickens demonstrated his talent in his first two seasons. Amassing over 1,800 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but talent alone wasn’t enough.
But then rumors of locker room conflict, missed meetings, and growing fines began to change the picture in 2023 and early 2024. Now, in 2025, general manager Omar Khan publicly put an end to trade rumors right before the NFL Draft. But just a few weeks after that, the franchise startled fans by moving Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. According to new sources, head coach Mike Tomlin is directly to blame, not the front office reorganisation, quarterback uncertainty, or the arrival of DK Metcalf.
George Pickens officially joined the Dallas Cowboys on May 7, but after the following updates, the reasons for his departure have become more apparent. The first important update was posted by Steelers Depot 7 (@Steelersdepot) on X: “Kaboly: Mike Tomlin Led Decision To Trade George Pickens.” The trade, previously thought to be a roster-fit casualty after DK Metcalf’s arrival, was reportedly driven by discipline and locker room issues more than schematic ones. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac dropped the hammer: “They just thought that his teammates had a problem in the locker room. It became a problem with Mike Tomlin. It wasn’t just his on-field temperament and behavior.”
Kaboly: Mike Tomlin Led Decision To Trade George Pickens #Steelers #NFL #Pittsburgh https://t.co/7UJdJ7xjuQ
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) May 7, 2025
Dulac then brought up an old coaching proverb that Tomlin obviously believed: “When the aggravation outweighs the production, you get rid of them.” That line had been crossed by Pickens’ actions. Dulac listed numerous infractions, including being late for meetings, missing walkthroughs, and even showing up late for games. The final straw? After receiving a double fine for taunting and unsportsmanlike behaviour against the Bengals in December 2024, Tomlin responded bluntly after the game, saying, “He just gotta grow up, man.”
And the timing speaks for itself. “We’re glad we have George and DK here. I think they’re gonna be exciting for everyone to watch.” General Manager Omar Khan told reporters just prior to the draft. Pickens left two weeks later, indicating that the front office wasn’t on the same page about this decision. Mark Kaboly claims that Tomlin “wanted him out,” not Khan.
In summary, neither Metcalf nor the Steelers’ quarterback carousel forced Pickens to leave. Tomlin’s strict attitude on team culture and his personal behaviour caused him to be fired. The Steelers’ wide receiver room appears to be a high-ceiling, high-variance experiment now that Pickens is out.
Filling the George Pickens void won’t be simple
Without a doubt, the WR1 is DK Metcalf. The current roster is completed by veteran Robert Woods, sophomore Calvin Austin III, and rookie Roman Wilson. However, depth and experience seem to be missing. “I would be surprised if the Steelers are done at the receiver position. Likely to at least sign one more, and there are a couple talented receivers still on the market,” says NFL insider Ian Rapoport, indicating that Pittsburgh is still making moves.
There are still a few well-known names in the rapidly shrinking free agency pool. Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard is “reportedly in play,” according to Pro Football Talk. The 28-year-old Lazard is approaching the end of his contract. And has a rapport with Aaron Rodgers, which might become very important if Rodgers decides to make Pittsburgh his next destination. Lazard has size, red zone experience, and familiarity with Rodgers-led offences. But he lacks Pickens’ explosiveness and raw potential.
So, the Steelers made a statement when they traded for George Pickens. Known for fiercely defending his players, Tomlin finally reached a breaking point. And now, Pittsburgh enters the 2025 season with a new-look offense, a possible quarterback reset, and a WR room one trade away from controversy or chemistry. The time is running out, and Rodgers isn’t the only one affected anymore.
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