PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – What an interesting year for receiver George Pickens. What Mike Tomlin said about his year and reportedly being late to the Christmas game.
Entering his third season, Pickens seemed to be in a little different place, after an early run-in with his new position coach in training camp, it appeared Pickens was all-in. He was full speed through drills while receivers coach Zach Azzanni appeared to be getting him to focus more on details. There was a new offensive coordinator that demanded more accountability and he was with a pair of experienced, NFL starting quarterbacks.
In game one, 85 yards including a 40-yard catch against the Falcons. He would grab seven balls for 113 yards in a loss against the Colts, but you could feel his frustration. Interview answers became shorter as he appeared disillusioned with his role in an offense that didn't take shots down the field.
Enter Russell Wilson, early in the second quarter of their first game together, a 44-yard completion and just before the end of that quarter, Pickens first touchdown, an 11-yard reception. It was like the clouds had parted averaging 18.5 yards per catch the next game and a touchdown and 91 yards against Washington followed by 89 yards in a win over the Ravens. He would get another TD against the Bengals before the season turned.
The 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury and was out the next few weeks as the team struggled. He would return against Kansas City, but even that return was marred as he showed up 25 minutes late to the Christmas matchup (Tomlin saying he didn't have an answer for it as it was 'a few days back'). Following that blowout loss Pickens dropped three passes, catching one of six targets in a two-point loss to Cincinnati.
Pickens would refuse to talk to reporters after that game and before the playoff game. He would address questions after the playoff loss at Baltimore (5 receptions for 87 yards) saying he saw signs of growth with the Steelers offense, but asked if he was optimistic, he said 'nah'.
"Certainly, there's a lot of room for growth there," Tomlin said. "I think he covered some ground in 2024, but there's certainly a heck of a lot more ground to be covered and we'll see where it leads us."
Tomlin said he hasn't had any conversation about a new contract with Pickens as he is entering the final season of his rookie deal. Tomlin said generally he's always concerned about the growth and development of individuals including maturity and professionalism.
