As the 2026 NFL season approaches, former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been making the rounds in the media, particularly as NBC gears up for its 21st season of Sunday Night Football. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Tomlin addressed a significant decision made by the Steelers last May: the trade of talented wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
Tomlin explained that the decision to part ways with Pickens was not solely based on his on-field performance, but also on concerns regarding his development in intangible areas. He stated, "For us, I just thought, it’s not only play. It’s development in other areas, intangible areas. I think when you’re a high dollar, second-contract guy, I think there’s some leadership responsibilities, and things of that nature. And I just don’t feel like that was in his natural wheelhouse. We felt better about DK’s abilities in those areas." This insight sheds light on the Steelers' evaluation process when it comes to player development and leadership roles within the team.
Despite Pickens' undeniable talent, which he showcased during his time at the University of Georgia and his rookie season with the Steelers, Tomlin indicated that there were concerns about his maturity and professionalism. The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he quickly made a name for himself with remarkable catches and explosive plays. However, his time in Pittsburgh was marred by off-field issues, including tardiness to meetings and games, as well as confrontations during practices. These behavioral issues ultimately influenced the Steelers' decision to trade him.
Since joining the Cowboys, Pickens has continued to demonstrate his potential, even earning All-Pro honors in the 2025 season. However, Tomlin noted that the Cowboys have been cautious about extending Pickens' contract. He remarked, "[A second contract] didn’t happen for us with George. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s not gonna be a spectacular player. I think he’s already proven that to a degree with his first year in Dallas. But there’s also been something that stopped Dallas from making that long-term commitment to him, as well…" This statement suggests that while Pickens has excelled on the field, there may still be lingering concerns regarding his off-field behavior and commitment to the team.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, Tomlin's comments highlight the complex nature of player evaluations and the importance of not just talent, but also character and leadership qualities. The trade of George Pickens serves as a reminder that teams must weigh the potential benefits of a player's skill set against the challenges that may arise from their behavior.
With the Steelers looking to build a cohesive and competitive roster, the lessons learned from the Pickens trade will likely influence their future decisions as they aim for success in the NFL.
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