You could sense it in the body language. One receiver, three quarterbacks, and zero clarity. When George Pickens showed up to offseason workouts this spring, there was no Russell Wilson, no Justin Fields, and no official QB1. Just a familiar uncertainty in Pittsburgh—a vibe Pickens had grown weary of. So when the call came from Dallas, he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t ask for a new contract. He asked who was throwing him the ball.

After parting ways with Mike Tomlin‘s Pittsburgh Steelers, wide receiver George Pickens has entered Jerry Jones‘ territory. The Steelers traded the talented wideout to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. And let’s be clear — the Steelers lost a gem. In 2024, Pickens recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards, averaging 15.3 yards per catch with three touchdowns. But following the trade, George Pickens reportedly pointed fingers.

According to NFL reporter Calvin Watkins, Pickens blamed the unstable Steelers’ quarterback carousel for his departure. “From what I’ve gathered this afternoon, George Pickens is excited to join the Cowboys (surprised right?),” Watkins posted. “The unsettled QB situation in Pitt had him concerned about his future, and while he’s immature in some areas (aren’t we all), he’s all about football.” So, what does this denote? 

The implication is clear: If Wilson and Justin Fields had remained committed to Pittsburgh — or had the franchise committed to him — Pickens might have stayed. Instead, he found a turbulent quarterback room, featuring Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard after the exits of Wilson and Fields (while waiting on Aaron Rodgers). This made Pickens question his place in the offense and long-term value to the team. 

And that’s the same reason he is happy with the Cowboys‘ situation. Calvin Watkins reported in this aspect: “Dallas’ settled QB situation (that’s Dak Prescott) was an attraction for him.  Playing with CeeDee Lamb is something he believes will benefit him. He has tremendous respect for Tomlin. No desire for a contract extension. Willing to prove himself.” The situation at Pittsburgh is the worst as they have three QBs on the board but are still waiting for QB1, which would be Aaron Rodgers. 

It’s been two months since the Steelers have been chasing Aaron Rodgers, but the 41-year-old has not yet delivered any firm answer. When TJ Watt‘s retirement and trade rumors were swirling in the city, it was also reported that the shaky QB situation is the main reason players are not happy in Pittsburgh. So, George Pickens’ story is not an exception. The picture might have been different if the Steelers’ think tank had retained Wilson or Fields. 

Mike Tomlin himself wanted George Pickens gone

Mike Tomlin, who always defended Pickens when questions were asked by the media, was the main reason for this trade. A Pittsburgh reporter, Mark Kaboly, reported on May 7 that Mike Tomlin wanted George Pickens gone after three years at the organisation. Reporter said, “Make no mistake about it, Tomlin – who has gone out of his way in the past to defend Pickens – is the one who decided that the Pickens rehabilitation project needed to end a year early.” After this, Sports Illustrated‘s Ryan Phillips also confirmed the reason.

SI reported that Picken neither asked for a trade, nor did GM Omar Khan want him to leave the city, but Tomlin wanted it. And this story doesn’t only revolve around the QB situation and the Steelers’ love story with Aaron Rodgers. DK Metcalf also has a lead role in this drama. After the Seahawks star transferred to Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ resolve and need to keep George Pickens weren’t as strong anymore. Metcalf made 66 receptions in the 2024 season for 992 yards and landed 5 TDs. The 27-year-old WR has six years of big league experience. The team was already excited when Metcalf landed in the city. So, that might have been one of the other reasons the Steelers moved on from George Pickens. 

This is just another example of why business (almost) always prevails in football. But Pickens has landed at a place where he is excited to play. He has also said that he is looking forward to sharing the field with CeeDee Lamb. Let’s see if that chip on his shoulder pushes George Pickens to new heights in 2025.