Regardless of a weekend of commerce rumors round WR George Pickens, he stays a Pittsburgh Steeler. If former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel is to be believed, Pickens is joyful to remain the place he’s. Dabbling within the position of insider Tuesday on Scoop Metropolis with podcast co-host Dianna Russini, Daniel stories that Pickens desires to stay a Steeler.
“A fast nugget that I heard about George Pickens from a really dependable supply,” Daniels mentioned, “is that George Pickens, he truly likes his time in Pittsburgh due to Mike Tomlin. Mike Tomlin and him have a really robust relationship is what I’m being informed.”
Pittsburgh reportedly mentioned a possible Pickens commerce with the Dallas Cowboys and probably different groups however finally held onto him. How far these talks bought are unknown and it probably would’ve taken a large return for the Steelers to maneuver him.
At the same time as he’s acknowledged shortcomings, Tomlin has staunchly defended Pickens. In 2023, he held a uncommon late-week press convention to clear the air after Pickens was hammered by the media for a low-effort block towards the Indianapolis Colts adopted by locker room feedback that solely made the second look worse. Tomlin has downplayed Pickens’ volatility and on-field frustration and has publicly dedicated to serving to him develop as a participant and particular person.
As captured by Laborious Knocks, Tomlin consoled and inspired Pickens after a first-drive pick-six towards the Cincinnati Bengals final season, a play the place move interference towards Pickens wasn’t referred to as. Pickens responded by scoring later within the half.
“I don’t know if George Pickens’ antics may fly anyplace however the Pittsburgh Steelers and his relationship with Mike Tomlin,” Daniel mentioned.
The query is that if Pickens’ story ends like all the opposite receivers Tomlin has managed. Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Chase Claypool, and Diontae Johnson had been all dealt with by Tomlin till they weren’t. Each single a type of gamers had been traded.
Russini famous that Pittsburgh buying and selling Pickens stays a “chance” however admitted the thought doesn’t make sense. With the draft over, dealing Pickens now offers the Steelers even fewer choices to switch him. Until Pickens forces his manner out, which wouldn’t monitor with Daniel’s feedback, the subsequent potential level Pittsburgh may deal him is on the commerce deadline. That will probably imply both the Steelers’ season has fallen aside, Pickens has continued to be an issue, different receivers have stepped up, or the entire above.
Odds are, Pickens will play out his rookie deal and stay with the Steelers by all of 2025. The place it goes from there may be up for debate. If Pickens matures and turns the nook, maybe Pittsburgh would have curiosity in signing him to a long-term deal as long as it’s structured the precise manner. If not, the Steelers will probably let him stroll in free company, placing receiver excessive on the workforce’s listing of wants come the 2026 NFL Draft.
