The Pittsburgh locker room was split on trading away George Pickens. However, it seems more were in support of the move than against it.
The Steelers’ decision to trade Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys shocked fans across the league – but inside the locker room, it appears the move was more of a relief than a surprise.
Pickens, a 2022 second-round pick, was dealt to Dallas along with a 2027 sixth-rounder in exchange for a 2026 third-round and 2027 fifth-round pick.
The explosive yet often controversial wideout had one year left on his rookie deal. While his talent was never in question, insiders say his behavior and attitude had worn thin among teammates – especially veterans.
Longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly, speaking on 93.7 The Fan this week, revealed that several players were privately supportive of Pickens being shipped out of town.
“There are a lot of guys in that defense, even the offense, who favored the Steelers trading him out of that locker room,” Kaboly revealed. “There were probably a couple of guys you would be shocked at that I did hear after the fact.
“They were pretty much saying, ‘See ya.’ … They didn’t want anything to do with him.”
Kaboly noted he wasn’t told specific names but had strong suspicions.
When the show’s hosts teased him about naming star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, Kaboly didn’t confirm it outright but admitted he believed Heyward may have been among the fed-up veterans.
“I was not told who … I know who I thought it was, but I was never told that,” Kaboly said, sidestepping direct confirmation while hinting that frustration with Pickens had been simmering for a while.
The comments align with the general sense that while Pickens produced on the field, his off-field demeanor – including perceived immaturity and sideline outbursts – divided the locker room.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently commented on his Footbahlin podcast that there was likely a split among players over the decision to trade him.
Still, not everyone inside the building turned their back on Pickens.
Teammates including Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin, and Donte Jackson publicly defended him during moments of criticism, calling out the media for its portrayal of his character.
The split reveals a deeper dynamic at play: raw talent versus team chemistry. And in the end, it appears the Steelers prioritized the latter.
Despite losing a top target in Pickens, Pittsburgh’s outlook remains optimistic – especially with speculation mounting around a potential signing of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
If Rodgers joins the fold, the Steelers believe they have enough weapons to compete, even without Pickens.
As for the controversial wide receiver, he’ll now look to reset his narrative in Dallas. But in Pittsburgh, the chapter has closed – and according to some inside the locker room, not a moment too soon.
What are your thoughts on Kaboly’s report? … Do you think there were Steelers pushing for Pickens to be shipped out of town???
