PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers traded George Pickens earlier this week after ‘honest’ conversations about the star wide receiver’s future. Now, he is with the Dallas Cowboys.
General manager Omar Khan explained on Friday why the team had to make the move, and revealed why the timing ended up in May instead of during or before the NFL Draft.
“You know, the trade sort of happened quickly. We had some people inquired during the draft, nothing that really made sense. And Cowboys reached out earlier this week. And they proposed something for us to think about,“ Khan said. ”We had conversations internally. You know, I also had some conversations with George’s agent, Dave (Mulugheta), who I have a good relationship with. And we discussed where things have been with George, where they are and where things could go with George. And this trade makes sense for everyone.”
On Saturday, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media for the first time since Pickens was traded, and while he did not add much color, he said it was simply time.
“I’m not going to add any color to it other than what Omar told you guys yesterday. We thought it was best and timely for all parties involved. Really, I’m just focused on the opportunity that is this weekend for the rookies,” Tomlin said.
Pickens had been known for his antics on and off the field, and controversy surrounded the talented former Georgia playmaker. The Athletic reported Pickens was 40 minutes late to the team’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs and for meetings.
Khan admitted the team had honest conversations with Pickens and themselves and decided to move him. Pickens never requested a trade.
“You know, we just kind of talked about it. There were lots of serious conversations, honest conversations. And we just felt that a fresh start for both sides was the right thing,” Khan said.
The second-round pick of the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, both he and Kenny Pickett, the team’s first two picks from that draft, never finished their rookie contracts with the team.
Pickens missed three games with a hamstring injury, dampening what looked to be a second-straight 1000-yard season with the third-year wide receiver.
He averaged 15.3 yards per reception with 59 receptions for 900 yards on the year. In each of the last two seasons, Pickens has eclipsed 15 yards per catch and 900 yards as the focus of the team’s passing offense.