Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is making headlines again, this time throwing some playful shade at his previous team during the first day of Cowboys training camp. When speaking with reporters, Pickens couldn’t help but express how being in Dallas feels like a “breath of fresh air,” a clear nod to his time in Pittsburgh.
Asked about his role in the Cowboys offense and whether he looks forward to expanding beyond his previous deep-ball specialist duties, Pickens seized the moment to critique the Steelers’ offensive strategy. “Yeah, I’m definitely excited to run better plays, for sure,” he remarked, hinting at a desire for more dynamic routes. His evolution as a receiver seems to be a priority as he steps into a system that appears more aligned with his skill set.
In his time with the Steelers, Pickens was often utilized for those high-risk, high-reward jump balls. Now, he seems eager to showcase a fuller route tree under the Cowboys’ guidance, emphasizing the variety he might bring to the Dallas passing attack. “I’m definitely excited to run better plays,” he reiterated, underscoring the optimism that comes with a new beginning in his career.
This isn’t the first time Pickens has expressed his feelings about his former team. Shortly after being traded to Dallas, he took to social media to label the Steelers as the “cheapest organization,” a sentiment that didn’t go unnoticed by fans and analysts alike. Clearly, the criticisms surrounding Pittsburgh’s offensive predictability are part of a larger conversation about how the team can evolve.
As for the Steelers, the clock is ticking and the pressure is mounting on offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. With fans eagerly hoping to see improvements on the field, turning around the franchise’s offensive woes will be crucial this season as they aim to spotlight more than just familiarity with traditional schemes. For Pickens, it’s time to turn the page, and in Dallas, he finds an opportunity to thrive in a fresh environment.