DALLAS — George Pickens, newly minted Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, unleashed a scathing critique of Mike Tomlin after his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told ESPN on May 7, 2025. The blockbuster deal, which sent Pickens to Dallas for a 2026 third-round pick and a late-round pick swap, has ignited a firestorm.
Pickens, 24, didn’t hold back in a podcast appearance, slamming Tomlin’s leadership. “Mike talks a big game, but where’s the action?” he said. “Omar [Khan] and him sat on their hands all offseason. Same old Steelers—no WR2, no QB1, just vibes.” His comments echo frustrations from his 2024 season, where he amassed 900 yards despite quarterback instability.
The Steelers’ offense, ranked 24th in passing (186.1 yards per game) in 2024, remains hamstrung. With Mason Rudolph as the interim QB1 and rookie Will Howard unready, Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers is uncertain. Pickens’ exit, following Najee Harris and Russell Wilson, leaves DK Metcalf as the lone star.
Pickens criticized the lack of a true WR2. “It’s me or nothing,” he said. “Calvin [Austin III] and Van [Jefferson] aren’t scaring anyone.” The Steelers’ failure to land targets like Brandon Aiyuk or Davante Adams in 2024, coupled with Roman Wilson’s injury-plagued rookie year, fueled his discontent.
In Dallas, Pickens joins CeeDee Lamb, giving Dak Prescott a dynamic duo. His 18.1 yards per catch in 2023 and contested-catch prowess make him a perfect No. 2. “Dak’s a real QB1,” Pickens said. “I’m finally with a team that plans to win.” He’s due $3.65 million in his final rookie year.
Tomlin, addressing the remarks, remained stoic. “George is talented, but we’re focused on our guys,” he told reporters. Khan defended the offseason, citing signings like Za’Darius Smith and Mike Hilton, but fans on X are livid, posting, “Pickens is right—Tomlin’s lost the plot!” and “No QB, no WR2, same mess.”
The Steelers’ receiving corps, now led by Metcalf, Austin III, and Wilson, lacks depth. Dino Tomlin, Mike’s son and a UDFA signee, adds a sentimental story but little immediate impact. Pittsburgh’s 2024 woes—five straight losses—persist without a clear offensive identity.
As Pickens gears up for a prove-it year in Dallas, his departure exposes Pittsburgh’s stagnation. With the AFC North heating up, the Steelers’ failure to address QB1 and WR2 could haunt Tomlin and Khan, proving Pickens’ harsh words painfully prophetic.
