George Pickens trade: NFL insider reveals why Steelers moved on from wide receiver

In an early Wednesday morning mini blockbuster, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The talented wide receiver was rumored to be moved from the Steelers for months and ESPN’s Peter Schrager explained why it went down.

Pickens is very talented, there’s no doubt. But off the field, he’s been a headache with sideline meltdowns, body language, etc.

Whatever the case was, the Steelers believed it wasn’t worth it to keep Pickens alongside newly acquired DK Metcalf. Instead, it’s on the Cowboys to reign in the former Georgia star after trading for him Wednesday.

“Well, look, they hired Brian Schottenheimer in the most unorthodox way we’ve seen a head coach be hired in recent years, and that they let their previous coaches contract just expire, did not interview all the top other candidates and hired from within,” Schrager said on Get Up. “And (Schottenheimer), his whole thing has been don’t worry about sizzle. Don’t worry about this. We’re all about culture. Culture, culture, culture. George Pickens has a history of having temper tantrums on the sidelines, and when he doesn’t get the ball, throws his helmet and does the histrionics when the game is not going his way. 

“So on paper, you look at this say, Well, what are you about? You about drafting an offensive lineman 12th overall over a skilled position player? Because that’s what we’re going to be, meat and potatoes? Or is this a panic move? Saying, all right, we’re going to trade a third round pick this far from the draft, not knowing what that third round pick will be to go get our number two wide receiver.” 

Pickens appeared in 14 games last season as he missed some time with an injury. During that time, he hauled in 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns as a key piece of the Steelers’ passing attack. That came after an impressive second year in the NFL in 2023 when he had a career-high 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. His 18.1 yards per reception led the league that season.

His tenure in Pittsburgh was turbulent at times. Pickens has arrived for games and meetings later than requested by coaches, as well as arguing with fans during games. There was plenty of talk about the Steelers possibly moving on from Pickens during last season, and now, the Cowboys have decided to be the team that makes the move for him, despite these concerns.

“I will say this. I’ve spoken to Steelers sources over the last year because Pickens would have national games where he’s throwing his helmet and cried on the sideline the whole thing, not him necessarily, Monday to Saturday,” Schrager said. “He’s just one of those guys on the field that is so emotional. So if he’s not a culture ruiner, he’s not a guy that’s going to upset the apple cart, he is a great number two option to CeeDee Lamb. The question is, if he does have that major year, is it a one year deal? Because it’s the final year of his contract, you ought to pay him at some point anyway.”