A Steelers insider has shared new insights into the tension surrounding George Pickens before his trade, revealing that several players were actually in favor of moving him. While fans were surprised when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, it turns out the decision wasn’t as unexpected inside the locker room. According to veteran team reporter Mark Kaboly, some key members of the team had grown tired of Pickens’ behavior.
Speaking on 93.7 The Fan, Kaboly said the “right players” had lost patience with Pickens, though he refused to disclose specific names. When hosts speculated that veteran leader Cameron Heyward may have been one of them, Kaboly acknowledged that he suspected it, but couldn’t confirm it.
After the trade, Kaboly said he learned more players—on both offense and defense—had supported the move. Some even celebrated his departure, expressing relief that he was no longer part of the team. He noted that a few names who felt this way might surprise people.
The Steelers dealt Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a 2026 third-round and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Pickens, originally a second-round pick in 2022, was entering the final year of his rookie contract. Though undeniably talented and a contributor on the field, his behavior reportedly created tension among teammates.
Even former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger noted on his Footbahlin podcast that the team was likely divided over the trade. Interestingly, several teammates—Donte Jackson, Pat Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin III—had publicly defended Pickens amid criticism.
Despite the loss of a key offensive weapon, the Steelers remain optimistic about their future, especially with rumors of a potential signing of Aaron Rodgers as quarterback for the 2025 season—a move many see as a strong fit.
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