NFL News: George Pickens sets record straight on alleged criticism of Mike Tomlin’s Steelers after joining Dak Prescott’s Cowboys

George Pickens will be playing the 2025 NFL season on a different uniform. After spending the first three years in his career with Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the wide receiver will be joining forces with Dak Prescott on the Dallas Cowboys.

His departure from the Steel City gave plenty to talk about, with a controversial situation making headlines recently. A screenshot of a deleted Instagram comment allegedly posted by Pickens went viral on social media, making it look like the wideout called out Tomlin and the Steelers.

“They the cheapest organization. Ain’t no stacking year after year they gone let them n**** go too soon it’s time,” Pickens allegedly wrote in the comments section of a clip of former Steelers teammates Payton Wilson and Beanie Bishop Jr. talking on Bishop’s show “Beanie’s Bakery.”

The comment spread on the Internet, prompting Pickens to address this situation quickly. The former Steelers wideout took to Instagram stories to set the record straight, claiming that the comment wasn’t real and that he has nothing but respect for Pittsburgh.

“Literally on a plane,” Pickens said. “No service. Just landed and seen straight lies from Pitt fans. Stop with AI trying to make a story. I’m happy for everything the Steel City did for me. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.”

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Steelers avoid contract decision by trading Pickens

With the player entering the final year of his contract, the Steelers traded Pickens along with a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Pickens played an important role for Tomlin all these years, making 40 starts in 48 appearances since being drafted by the Steelers in 2022, catching 174 passes for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns. The team, however, preferred to get something in return rather than paying the wideout or losing him for nothing next year.

Cowboys expect Pickens to be key weapon for Prescott

Now, Pickens is looking to prove his worth in Dallas ahead of 2026 free agency. He’ll be joining a WR room led by CeeDee Lamb, but Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones believes Pickens will also be a primary weapon for Prescott.

“He’s just a dynamic receiver,” Jones said, via Albert Breer of SI.com. “Everybody says we’re looking for a two. I mean, George can be a one. He’s got that type of talent. He’s got unbelievable ball-tracking ability. He’s got plenty of juice and he’s a fiery competitor. And we love that, he plays with an edge, and we think he’d be a good fit for our team.”