The Pittsburgh Steelers are laser-focused on their highly anticipated Week 1 showdown with the New York Jets, but let’s be honest—Thursday night offered a bit of closure with the George Pickens trade to the Dallas Cowboys back in May.
After one of the most chaotic offseasons in recent franchise history—one that saw the team part ways with veterans, bring in high-profile talent, and reshape the locker room—Steelers fans finally saw why Omar Khan and the front office made one of their most controversial decisions yet: moving on from George Pickens.
It wasn’t easy. And for a while, it didn’t make sense. But then Thursday night happened.
While Pittsburgh supporters prepared for a weekend full of football, tailgates, and renewed hope, many fans kept one eye on the Cowboys-Eagles season opener—and for good reason. George Pickens was on the field, making his official debut in a Dallas uniform.
And what we saw? Well, it was about what we expected.
Pickens finished the night with three catches on four targets for 30 yards—solid but unspectacular. He showed flashes of the natural athleticism and contested-catch ability we had grown accustomed to during his time in Pittsburgh. The talent is still there. No question.
But so are the issues.
The Pittsburgh Steelers found solace after watching George Pickens' tantrums during Week 1
With the Cowboys marching into the red zone during a crucial third-quarter drive, Pickens was flagged for an unnecessary personal foul penalty. It was a moment of immaturity that turned a 1st-and-10 into a long-yardage situation. On the very next play, Miles Sanders fumbled. Drive over. No points.
When the final whistle blew and Dallas came up short on the scoreboard, those missed red zone points loomed large. And for those of us watching from Pittsburgh? The writing was on the wall.
This is why Omar Khan moved on.
Pickens’ problems were never about production. He’s a gifted receiver. But his discipline—or lack thereof—was holding the offense hostage. The drama, the penalties, the sideline antics, the questionable effort when things didn’t go his way—it all added up. And Thursday night was another painful reminder that talent doesn’t mean much if it comes at the cost of team success.
READ MORE: Steelers All-Pro captain faces massive decision ahead of Week 1
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m still a fan of Pickens.
I watched him grow, cheered his big plays, and hoped he’d evolve into a true WR1. But the NFL is a business, and cancers don’t last long—especially not in a franchise as disciplined and tradition-driven as the Steelers.
So while it stung to see a homegrown star wear another jersey, it was also a breath of fresh air. Pittsburgh is no longer handcuffed to volatility. This team is balanced, and, most importantly, on the same page.
And as the Steelers take the field against the Jets this Sunday, they do so without the drama—and without the distractions.
Pickens may still have highlight plays left in him. But in Pittsburgh? We’re chasing wins, not headlines.