Losing can cause overreactions in any sport. People want players to blame and head-on spikes, especially if losing becomes a habit. Another thing that losing does, is it shows which players are willing to give their all to better the team. It can also expose those who check out when a loss is on the horizon. Those who give up on their team cannot be players who stick around long-term.
Sadly, the constant news of George Pickens and his antics continue to circulate.
His action against the Cowboys was rather ridiculous. After Dallas sealed their victory, Pickens was seen grabbing a Cowboys player's facemask. It was inexcusable and something he could be fined for. Pickens has shown diva qualities ever since he was drafted two years ago by the Steelers. It is starting to get ugly.
Frustrations boil over and sometimes a certain game might just be an off night. Mike Tomlin claims Pickens had reduced snaps to try and increase his productivity, but it could have been a punishment. Either way, Pickens did not seem to like being off the field.
Some of his playing time looked like he took certain plays off. It came off as lazy and a lack of care to try and help his team win the game.
Might be time for Steelers to look at trade options for George Pickens
Some might think a trade of Pickens could be an overreaction, but it might make sense right now. We know the Steelers need as much help as possible at the receiver position. They also need players who aren't selfish and become distractions. We know they have had this issue in the past and it has led to nothing but bad press. Tomlin and Omar Khan might not have any more patience with this type of behavior.
Getting rid of Pickens after he gave up on Pittsburgh is something the team should consider. Even though they should be trying to pair an outside option via trade to play with Pickens, they could always change things on the fly. Why not add someone and try to take your trade value from Pickens into another receiver? It would be something almost unheard of, but Khan is crazy like that.
Why would a team be willing to trade for Pickens you may be asking. Well, he is still a young player who has the potential to become a top receiver in the NFL. Yes, he has a lot of ego problems, but he is someone who can elevate a team to another level. If another team is fine with his personality, then the Steelers could probably fetch some quality value in return.
Pittsburgh might not trade Pickens, but this is the time to get good value in return. He is still under contract through next season, so the Steelers will have to decide in a hurry if they are willing to pay him an extension this offseason.
If you thought the Brandon Aiyuk contract saga was rough, expect Pickens to push the Steelers for as much money as they are willing to go, or he could be on the trade block.