During a recent interview with Jane Slater of NFL Network , Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens weighed in on why leaving Pittsburgh was the best thing for him.
"It was a good for me," Pickens said. "Just strictly because you know when you're somewhere long and you build a certain record, a certain label, whether that's good, great, or bad, you just want a fresh start. That's how I feel like it is with a lot of people in life."
Since being traded to the Cowboys in May, Pickens has voiced a slew of passive aggressive comments directed at his former team.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 1, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
During an interview with 105.3 The Fan , Pickens took a shot at the Steelers offense.
"A lot more dig [routes]. That's what I feel like … a lot of other teams, they don't want to implement it because you got a running back."
Pickens also took a passive aggressive shot at the Steelers offense when asked about his full route tree and how he can be utilized in Dallas.
"I'm definitely excited to run better plays," Pickens said bluntly at the start of Cowboys training camp, via Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News.
Pickens' talent has never been in question. The Georgia product consistently showed big-play ability in Pittsburgh, turning in highlight-reel catches and demonstrating the skillset of a top-tier boundary receiver. But his sideline behavior and perceived immaturity reportedly created tension within the organization, contributing to the Steelers' decision to move on.
The offense was a mess during Pickens' time with the Steelers, but he also contributed to the dysfunction.
In 2023, Pickens was fined over $200,000 between the NFL and the Steelers for 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, a profane message on his eye black and got into a sideline spat with fans. He also was late on multiple occasion s in 2024.
Pickens is at the honeymoon phase with the Cowboys right now. It's all sunshine and rainbows. Will that be the case if Pickens receives four targets in a November loss? Time will tell. But right now, Prescott is stoked to have Pickens on America's Team .
"Great dude, loves his teammates, and excited as hell for this season," Prescott said at the start of Cowboys training camp. "I know he is, I know he's happy to be in a fresh, new spot. And I'm excited for what he's going to do for us."
Joe Fitzgerald contributed reporting for this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : George Pickens Weighs in on Departure from Steelers: 'It Was Good for Me'
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