BREAKING: Bombshell report proves Steelers have more reason than ever to trade George Pickens
If you’re not already among the fans who believe the Pittsburgh Steelers should trade George Pickens during the 2025 offseason, the latest bombshell report might change your mind. Pickens failed to make the expected leap in his third NFL season, and his antics once again overshadowed his performance on the field.
Now, there’s another reason for concern regarding the Steelers’ top wide receiver.
On January 14, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reported that Pickens arrived late to the Steelers’ Christmas Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. DeFabo revealed that Pickens “walked through the media entrance an hour and 25 minutes before kickoff.
Andrew Fillipponi highlighted the issue on Twitter, calling it “unacceptable” and criticizing head coach Mike Tomlin for enabling such behavior.
While the Steelers had already secured a playoff spot, the Christmas Day game was crucial to maintain control of the AFC North—a goal they failed to achieve, handing the division to the Baltimore Ravens.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated incident. DeFabo further explained on 93.7 The Fan that Steelers players reported Pickens frequently shows up late to practice.
For a player expected to lead the offense, this pattern of behavior is deeply troubling. It appears Pittsburgh may have reached a breaking point with their star receiver, and a trade now seems more justifiable than ever.
Steelers must trade George Pickens during the 2025 offseason
How did the Steelers end up in such a predicament with their top offensive weapon? Mike Tomlin should have addressed George Pickens’ repeated tardiness earlier, perhaps by benching him to send a clear message. But that opportunity has long passed.
Pickens seems unwilling to buy into the team’s culture, which emphasizes accountability and selflessness. His me-first attitude has drawn criticism before, and now, reports of consistent tardiness are compounding concerns over his questionable effort on the field and unprofessional responses to media inquiries. As a result, the Steelers might have no choice but to trade Pickens this offseason.
This wouldn’t be uncharted territory for Pittsburgh. The team has shown a history of parting ways with talented wide receivers, often for less egregious issues. Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant were shipped to the Raiders, Chase Claypool was traded to Chicago, and Diontae Johnson landed with the Panthers. So, what makes George Pickens exempt from following in their footsteps?
If Pickens can’t adapt to the Steelers’ expectations, his time in Pittsburgh may be nearing its end.