George Pickens' tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers concluded with a trade to the Dallas Cowboys, but former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin indicated that the decision was influenced more by personal factors than by Pickens' athletic abilities.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Tomlin provided insight into why the Steelers did not view Pickens as part of their long-term strategy. He noted that while Pickens had the potential to be an exceptional player, the team had concerns about his growth beyond his on-field performance.
"For us, I just thought, it's not only play," Tomlin stated. "It's development in other areas, intangible areas." He emphasized that these intangible qualities were critical when considering the implications of a significant contract extension for Pickens.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano raised a related question regarding why no other team pursued Pickens with an offer sheet when Dallas placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on him. Many believe teams are waiting to see if Pickens can develop into a leader.
Tomlin acknowledged that while the Steelers did not secure a second contract for Pickens, it does not preclude him from becoming a standout player in the future. He remarked, "That didn't happen for us with George. But that doesn't necessarily mean that he's not gonna be a spectacular player."
