Steelers Trade Allegedly Forced by George Pickens, Player Asserted Team Wanted to Retain Him
Spicy Take on George Pickens' Departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens, the former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is now stirring the pot with the Dallas Cowboys, following a controversial trade almost a month ago.
Recently, Pickens had a lively exchange with a fan on social media, accusing the Steelers of being "cheap" and claiming he forced the trade. However, this statement seems to contrast with what he previously mentioned about the situation.
In a since-deleted post, Pickens allegedly admitted that it was, in fact, he who instigated the move. "I forced buddy," he claimed, according to PennLive. "They were gladly keeping me. Have a nice day and blessed on my guy."
Fans of the Steelers were none too pleased with Pickens' comment, with one in particular managing to rile him up enough to post the previously mentioned tweet. However, it's worth noting that Pickens' claim of forcing the trade is at odds with his prior statements about the trade being out of his control.
Pickens played for the Steelers for three seasons, racking up impressive statistics, including 59 catches, 900 yards, and three touchdowns in 2024. His departure marks a significant shift for both the Steelers and Cowboys.
As for who was ultimately responsible for Pickens' departure, the specifics remain unclear. What's more important is the success each team will find in the near future. With Dallas acquiring another weapon to pair with CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys are poised for an exciting season.
Behind the Scenes of George Pickens' Exit from Pittsburgh
The trade between the Steelers and Cowboys was finalized in early May 2025, after the NFL Draft. In exchange for Pickens, the Steelers received a 2026 third-round pick, a 2027 fifth-round pick, and a swap of late-round picks with the Cowboys.
According to Steelers General Manager Omar Khan, the team hoped to negotiate a contract extension with Pickens before the trade, but ultimately decided a fresh start was the best option, especially given the offers they received.[1] The Cowboys, on the other hand, were in search of a reliable WR2 to partner with CeeDee Lamb, and saw Pickens' deep-threat ability and consistent production as a strong fit.[3][4]
It's important to note that there is no public record of George Pickens forcing the trade. Instead, team management cited a mutual interest in a fresh start for both player and franchise.[1][4]
In summary, while Pickens may have desired a new opportunity, the trade was presented as a mutual decision between the player and the Steelers’ management, with no official indication of Pickens forcing the move.[1][4]
George Pickens' departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers involved a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, marking a significant shift for both teams. The trade was finalized in May 2025, and while Pickens claimed he forced the move, there is no public record to support this statement. The Cowboys, seeking a reliable WR2, saw George Pickens' deep-threat ability and consistent production as a strong fit for their team. On the other hand, the Steelers, after unsuccessful contract negotiations, decided a fresh start was the best option for both player and franchise.
