Steelers Rumors: George Pickens got into 'heated exchange' with new WR coach

George Pickens is coming off a spectacular season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In year two, the 2022 second-round pick snagged 63 catches for 1,140 yards and 5 touchdowns on an impressive 18.1 yards per reception and 10.8 yards per target, per Pro Football Reference. This came with unspectacular quarterbacks looking his way and Matt Canada calling the shots, no less.

Unfortunately, Pickens had his hiccups in 2023. On more than one occasion, the talented wide receiver was called out for his lack of effort and his inability to keep his emotions in check. Pickens went viral when his lack of effort near the goal line robbed RB Jaylen Warren of an easy touchdown.

Now we are hearing of an incident that took place between Pickens and his new wide receivers coach on the first day of training camp.

Steelers Insider Ray Fittipaldo spoke to Andrew Fillipponi on 93.7 The Fan and claimed Pickens had a 'heated exchange with Zach Azzanni. Azzani, who served as the wide receivers coach of the New York Jets in 2023, has taken a hands-on approach to coaching and believes that accountability is huge.

Though we don't know what caused this scuffle, it's clear that Pickens isn't a fan of Azzanni breathing down his neck. However, that's exactly what the polarizing receiver needs.

Zach Azzanni is just what the doctor ordered for Steelers WR George Pickens

Dating back to his college days at Georgia, Pickens has been described as 'uncoachable'. He got in a fight which got him ejected from one contest and caused him to miss half of the SEC championship game, thanks to a coach's decision.

Pickens' personality did not sit well with many teams ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he was taken off numerous draft boards. While the Steelers found tremendous talent in Pickens, they need to make sure that he has a tough coach who will hold him accountable and make him a better team player. Zach Azzanni is that guy.

Azzanni is old school. He's not afraid to ream out his players if they are out of line, nor will he sit back idly and let veteran receivers take the lead. Pittsburgh's new wide receivers' coach stays on his players with his decisive and aggressive approach to coaching.

This is the perfect match for a wide receiver like Pickens. From high school until now, everything has come easy for the gifted wide-out. But in order to take his game to the next level, he needs to be pushed, and Azzanni will do exactly that.

Heated exchanges are going to happen often in football. There are a lot of grown men who don't like being told what to do. However, if Pickens can take this as a learning opportunity and grow from it, Azzanni will do his part in helping him develop into one of the best receivers in the game.