When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, questions about his maturity and discipline caused him to slip lower than expected in draft rankings. Determined to silence his critics, Pickens quickly showcased his talent and became a productive member of the Steelers, even as the offense struggled. However, ongoing concerns about his professionalism have cast a shadow over his career.
A recent report by Steelers insider Mike DeFabo revealed that Pickens arrived late to the team’s Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, reigniting concerns about his commitment. Additional insights from CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala suggest that Pickens’ tardiness has been a persistent issue, with Head Coach Mike Tomlin accused of not doing enough to address it. According to Kinkhabwala, Pickens has been late to meetings, practices, and games throughout his tenure with the team.
During a press conference, Tomlin was asked about Pickens’ Christmas Day tardiness but gave a vague response, stating that he couldn’t remember the details due to the time that had passed. This evasiveness, coupled with reports of a lack of accountability within the team, has fueled speculation that the Steelers’ leadership struggles to instill discipline.
Kinkhabwala criticized Tomlin’s approach, pointing out that simply fining a player like Pickens is ineffective. She argued that Tomlin needs to either take on the role of “bad cop” himself or delegate it to someone who can enforce stricter accountability measures. She also noted that strong player leadership, which has been lacking in Pittsburgh, could help address these challenges.
Despite the controversies, Pickens’ talent is undeniable. At just 23 years old, he has been a bright spot for the Steelers’ offense, thrilling fans with his playmaking abilities. However, his on-field frustrations have sometimes boiled over into penalties for taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct, further highlighting his need for personal growth.
Tomlin has publicly called on Pickens to mature, but insiders suggest that more effort is needed behind the scenes to manage the young receiver’s behavior. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, and opinions are divided on his future in Pittsburgh. Some fans and analysts believe the Steelers should trade him while his value remains high, while others argue that extending his contract is worth the risk due to his potential.
Pickens’ frustrations with the struggling Steelers’ offense are understandable, but his inability to consistently show up on time raises questions about his professionalism. As the debate over his future continues, it’s clear that both Pickens and the Steelers have critical decisions to make. If the issues persist, his time in Pittsburgh could come to an abrupt end, either by the team’s choice or his own.
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