Pickens is the most recent of a common trend in Pittsburgh where the organization parts ways with young receivers at the end of their rookie deals rather than extending their contracts.

Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh believes that George Pickens’ antics with the Pittsburgh Steelers were enough for them to move on from him. Houshmandzadeh says he knows people who play on the team, and he would consistently be late for events, including the team’s plane and bus departures.

Following his trade to the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver George Pickens has reportedly called out the "cheap" Pittsburgh Steelers in a social media post that was quickly deleted.