Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Questions If George Pickens Just Took A Huge Shot At Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their ties with polarizing wide receiver George Pickens after they elected to trade him to the Dallas Cowboys. The move came as a surprise to some, but those close to the team saw it coming. Despite Pickens’ undeniable talent and big-play ability, his attitude and on-field outbursts had become a growing concern for the organization. Rather than risk further disruption, the Steelers decided it was time to cut bait and get value while they still could.

The decision marks a disappointing turn for fans who hoped to see Pickens blossom in Pittsburgh, especially with the potential of pairing him alongside DK Metcalf. That vision never materialized, and instead, the focus shifted to the internal struggles behind the scenes. Mike Tomlin appeared to reach a breaking point, and when the opportunity arose to move Pickens, the Steelers jumped on it. While the front office remains tight-lipped, the move says everything about where they stood on Pickens’ future with the team.

Shortly after the trade, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger weighed in on the situation during his Footbahlin podcast. Roethlisberger didn’t hold back, offering insight into how the relationship may have deteriorated between Pickens and the coaching staff. He even speculated that Pickens might have taken a subtle jab at Tomlin during his first press conference with the Cowboys—a moment that raised eyebrows for those paying close attention.

"You are gonna wanna watch it because you are going to see the same blowups and those things," Roethlisberger said. "I thought also Coach Tomlin used the word 'grow up' after that Cincinnati game. In George’s first press conference there, he used the phrase 'growing up' like five or six times."

Roethlisberger was careful not to put words in Pickens’ mouth, making it clear he wasn’t trying to stir controversy. However, after listening to Pickens' first interview in Dallas, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to the receiver’s comments. 

The tone and wording caught his attention, and while he stopped short of making any direct accusations, Roethlisberger hinted that it might have been Pickens taking a subtle shot at Tomlin.

"I don’t know," Roethlisberger said. "It just seems like it was a little bit of a [dig at Tomlin]."

Roethlisberger’s co-host, Spencer Te’o, played devil’s advocate, suggesting that Pickens’ comments might not have been a shot at Tomlin at all. Instead, he offered a different interpretation — that perhaps Pickens was acknowledging his own shortcomings from his time in Pittsburgh and expressing a desire to grow by finally taking Tomlin’s advice to heart. 

There’s no denying the 24-year-old receiver has the talent to become one of the NFL’s top pass-catchers, but unfortunately for the Steelers, he won’t be reaching that potential in black and gold. Tomlin made it clear: Pickens’ inability to 'grow up' was a deciding factor in the team’s decision to move on.

Steelers Had Some Highs And Lows With George Pickens

Many Steelers fans remain split on Pickens. Some will remember the spectacular catches and big moments, while others won’t forget the sideline outbursts and prime-time meltdowns that overshadowed his talent. Still, it’s important to recognize what Pickens accomplished in Pittsburgh. 

He was drafted into a young, inconsistent offense and managed to produce every season, even when the odds were against him. His ability to make plays in traffic and stretch the field gave the Steelers a dynamic weapon during a time when the offense lacked identity.

Contrary to popular belief, Pickens has made an effort to handle the trade with a degree of grace. But he’s human — and it likely stung to see the team that drafted him hand a $30 million extension to Metcalf shortly after his arrival. That move all but confirmed what many suspected: Pickens’ days in Pittsburgh were numbered. Now entering the final year of his rookie deal with the Cowboys in 2025, he’ll have the chance to prove his worth before hitting free agency at the end of the season.

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