Mike Tomlin chooses to stay mum over George Pickens’ alleged irresponsible behavior before Chiefs game

George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers WR, expressed his desire to leave in hinted interview before sharing thoughtful Instagram content.

Mike Tomlin chooses to stay mum over George Pickens’ alleged irresponsible behavior before Chiefs game

Mike Tomlin, George Pickens (Images via Imago)

The final question at Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s end-of-season press conference on Tuesday centered on wide receiver George Pickens. The inquiry referenced a report claiming that Pickens arrived late for the team’s Christmas game against the Chiefs. In response, Tomlin noted that he could not confirm the report “definitively.”

According to TheAthletic.com, George Pickens arrived late for the Steelers’ Christmas game against the Chiefs, showing up at the stadium after the team had already submitted its inactive list. The report stated that head coach Mike Tomlin had instructed all players to be present at least two hours before kickoff, but Pickens arrived just an hour and 25 minutes before the game began.

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Mike Tomlin chose to be diplomatic while responding to the question on Pickens’ presence at the Christmas game. He responded that he didn’t have a recollection of who was there and not. Despite his unprofessional pre-game antics, Pickens started the game and led all wide receivers on the team in both snaps and targets.

I really don’t know if I have an answer to that. I have a lot going on pregame. I can’t answer that definitively.

Mike Tomlin said

Pickens was the focus of more than one question during the press conference. His emotional outbursts, both on and off the field, have been a recurring concern throughout his first two seasons with the Steelers, with additional incidents arising this year. Tomlin acknowledged the issue and stated that it is something the team will continue to address in 2025.

There’s certainly, obviously, more room for growth there. I think he covered some ground in 2024, but there’s certainly a heck of a lot more ground to be covered and we’ll see where it leads us.

Mike Tomlin added

Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB isn’t happy with George Pickens

Ben Roethlisberger believes the Pittsburgh Steelers should prioritize investing in their offense, but that might not include offering a lucrative contract to wide receiver George Pickens. Sharing his perspective on enhancing the team’s passing game for 2025, Roethlisberger suggested that securing Pickens with a big-money deal wouldn’t be his top choice on his latest Footbahlin podcast.

Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger (Image via Imago)

George Pickens, you have decisions to make. You can either sign him to a long-term deal—which wouldn’t be a high priority for me—give him a hefty contract, or let him play this year, franchise him, and then move on. So, you have two years with him. You trade him.

Ben Roethlisberger said

With Pickens eligible for his first contract extension, the upcoming summer could see him pushing for a long-term deal. If he follows a path similar to Brandon Aiyuk, it could lead to cryptic social media posts, podcast interviews, skipping spring workouts, and holding out during training camp. A potential contract could reach around $30 million per year, the current market rate for a young No. 1 NFL receiver.

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