Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh revealed some key details on why the Pittsburgh Steelers traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week. It lines up with previous reports . The Steelers quite simply had enough with Pickens' antics.
"George Pickens had stepped over and crossed the line a bit too many times and I know people that play with the Steelers. He'd be late for the team plane that would be flying out to away games multiple times. He'd be late to get on the team bus and they had enough of it," Houshmandzadeh said on the Up On Game podcast.
"They didn't want to pay him 30-plus million dollars and these antics are probably just going to get worse because you're not even making anywhere near that. You're doing all this now? What you gonna do when you get the money? And so they said. 'You know what, we're gonna get rid of [him]. Dallas, he's your problem,' but he's gonna be a really good problem."
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 1, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
In 2023, Pickens was fined over $200,000 between the NFL and the Steelers for on- and off-the-field incidents, including reported serial tardiness to team practices and meetings.
In 2024, he received over $80,000 in fines from the NFL for his on-field behavior, including unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, two fights after the end of a loss, and a profane message on his eye black. He also got into a sideline spat with fans.
Perhaps the most egregious of offenses was that Pickens arrived late to the team's Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs , missing pregame warmups despite the fact that he was returning to action from a hamstring injury.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network revealed on the Rich Eisen Show that Pickens was late for multiple games last season, not just the Chiefs game.
"This was not a snap decision. This was not he overreacted to them paying and trading for DK Metcalf . It was everything over the past several years," Pelissero told Eisen. "Again, unbelievably talented football player, but there were a variety of different issues. There was tardiness to meetings, there were a couple of games where he showed up late to the locker room. You know, you always want guys there before you turn in your inactives 90 minutes before the game. There were multiple occasions George Pickens wasn't in the locker room yet."
Steelers general manager Omar Khan took to the podium at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Friday to set the record straight about how Pickens ended up traded to the Cowboys on Wednesday.
The Steelers were not expecting to trade Pickens, and were not actively shopping him, after fielding calls and turning down offers during the 2025 NFL Draft. But when the Cowboys called with an offer this week, they took it seriously.
"The trade sort of happened quickly," Khan said. "We had some people inquire during the draft. Nothing that really made sense. The Cowboys reached out, I don't remember what day it was, but earlier this week. They proposed something for us to think about."
Khan said he felt that a fresh start for both sides was the right thing,
"We had conversations internally. And also had some conversations with George's agent, Dave [Mulugheta], who I have a good relationship with. We discussed where things begin with George, where they are and where things could go with George. This trade makes sense for everyone," he said.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin echoed Khan's statement on Saturday after the team's second rookie minicamp practice.
"I'm not going to add any color to it other than what Omar told you guys yesterday," Tomlin said. "We thought it was best and timely for all parties involved. Really, I'm just focused on the opportunity that is this weekend for the rookies."
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens at practice on Dec. 18, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The issues with Pickens must have been well-known across the league, as teams reportedly "laughed" at the idea of adding him to their roster during the 2025 NFL Draft, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic .
"Word leaked during the draft that Pickens was available if anyone wanted him. Some teams polled by The Athletic at the time laughed at the idea of inviting Pickens into their locker room for any price, let alone a second-day draft pick. There wasn't a lot of interest in talking with the Steelers about a trade," Howe wrote .
Pickens is happy to be a member of the Cowboys, but made it clear that he did not demand a departure from Pittsburgh. Steelers general manager Omar Khan also confirmed that on Friday. When asked specifically about what led to his departure from Pittsburgh, Pickens cited the business of football .
"This game is just as much of a business as it is football," Pickens said during his introductory press conference with the Cowboys. "It was kind of out of my control. I'm just glad to be here in Dallas and continue the winning culture that they have."
Pickens also said that he's not focused on getting a contract extension at this time. He leaves Pittsburgh with just one season remaining on his rookie contract.
"I'm kinda where my feet are right now, to be honest," Pickens said. "I'm not really thinking about contract talks. I'm just glad to be with the Cowboys right now, trying to build a winning culture."
Pickens is focused on the present. Whatever happened in Pittsburgh is behind him.
"I can't change anyone's opinion. Me, personally, I just continue to grow," Pickens said. "Everyone in the world has to grow as you get older and older. I'm just trying to build a winning culture, which they already have at the Cowboys. I'm just glad to be joining."
Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Ex-NFL WR Reveals Why Steelers Had Enough of George Pickens
