The Pittsburgh Steelers had an early exit from the playoffs, which fans have grown accustomed to at this point. It's been eight years since the Steelers won a playoff game and the "Fire Mike Tomlin" calls are growing louder as the playoff losses stack up.
Wide receiver George Pickens did his part in the Steelers' 28-14 loss to the division rival Baltimore Ravens, tallying five catches for 87 yards and a trip into the end zone. Following the game, Pickens was brutally honest about the state of the Steelers offense.
Pickens was asked if he's seen growth from the offense and he responded positively to that question. "Yeah, I've seen signs of growth for sure," Pickens said. "From past -- first year I've been here, just way more growth, for sure."
From there, however, things got pretty dicey. Pickens was asked if the signs of growth gave him hope for the future of the Steelers offense. Pickens' response spoke wonders about his frustration with the organization, as he replied with a simple, "Uh, nah."
George Pickens' latest comments show why he might not be a Steeler much longer
The Steelers spent a second-round pick on Pickens in the 2022 NFL Draft, which means he'll be entering the fourth and final year of his contract in 2025. With things not trending in a positive direction between the two, it wouldn't be a crazy thought for the Steelers to field trade options for Pickens, especially if there's little chance he remains in Pittsburgh past the 2025 season.
Pickens has been a tremendous weapon for the Steelers offense since the team drafted him and the fact that he's done what he has while the team has been in quarterback purgatory is an indicator to how talented the guy is. The problem, however, is that he's dramatic and has been a constant headache for the organization.
Pickens is no stranger to giving dramatic answers (or no answers, at that) when speaking to the media but this latest response has to have Steelers fans wondering if it's best for both sides to move on. Pickens can be extended this offseason and while the Steelers offense isn't fearsome in the slightest without Pickens in the lineup, the team will have to decide if they want to continue dealing with his antics because his attitude will only get worse after he's been paid like a top-tier receiver.