George Pickens’ time with the Steelers and exit from Pittsburgh is well-documented. But watching him thrive in Dallas makes the topic worth revisiting again. What changed from Pickens being malcontent with the Steelers to a literal and figurative star for the Cowboys? ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote an excellent feature piece on Pickens’ career arc, and what his future might hold.
Speaking to sources on and off-the-record, one unnamed Steelers source repeated what compelled Pittsburgh to trade him.
“When he was having a good day, he’s really fun to be around. Funny, cracking jokes, huge smile,” the Steelers source told Archer. “When he wasn’t having a good day, he didn’t want to be bothered or coached. I could never put my finger on why.”
Pickens was a feast-or-famine player and personality. An artist downfield, able to make catches few other players could even imagine. That was clear at Georgia and quickly in Pittsburgh. In training camp, he leaped over defenders with ease. On gameday, he had catch-of-the-year moments out of the gate.
But Pickens could be as prickly as he was passionate. Pittsburgh repeatedly fined him for various reasons while the NFL tagged him for his on-field conduct. He racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. His comments often caused controversy, and his effort came into question.
Things seemingly came to a head late last season when Pickens was reportedly late for the Steelers’ Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, only showing up roughly 90 minutes before kickoff. Mike Tomlin never confirmed the story, but certainly never denied it either.
Even in Dallas, those problems haven’t gone away. Simply masked and accepted because of his high-level play.
“[Brian] Schottenheimer has acknowledged that timeliness has been an issue for Pickens this season,” Archer wrote. “He did not elaborate, and multiple sources said Pickens has been fined for being late.”
Archer’s article also noted that Schottenheimer spoke with Georgia and Pittsburgh personnel before Dallas traded for Pickens in May. The feedback shared Pickens’ love for the game but also his habit of being late. Schottenheimer said, “We all oversleep.”
With the Cowboys, Pickens’ talent has been realized. He ranks top 10 in receptions, second in yards, and tied third in touchdowns. His production this season, 73 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns, is already greater than anything he achieved in four years with Pittsburgh.
The article cited the Steelers’ poor quarterback play as a source of Pickens’ frustrations. He has a good relationship with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, described as an “alpha” who is better able to keep Pickens focused.
“When Dak speaks, George will listen,” the article notes.
A pending free agent, Archer notes that the Cowboys intend to keep Pickens this offseason. A long-term deal upwards of $30 million per year – or more – is possible. The franchise tag hasn’t been ruled out either. Pickens will get a chance to continue his stellar season tonight against the Detroit Lions as Steelers fans wait until Sunday to watch one of the league’s worst passing games.