After three years of largely defending younger extensive receiver George Pickens to the media, typically stating that he both didn’t know or didn’t see incidents and chalking issues as much as Pickens being younger and maturing, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has seemingly shortly turned the web page on the receiver following the commerce of Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday for draft picks.
Throughout rookie minicamp on Saturday from the UPMC Rooney Sports activities Advanced on the South Aspect, Tomlin stated he received’t add any extra coloration to the Pickens commerce dialogue. He stated his ideas align with GM Omar Khan’s, including that it was finest for each events to maneuver on.
“You understand, I’m not going so as to add any coloration to it aside from what Omar advised you guys yesterday,” Tomlin stated to reporters Saturday, in keeping with video by way of the Put up-Gazette’s Brian Batko on X. “We thought it was finest and well timed for all events concerned.
“Actually, I’m simply targeted on the chance that it’s this weekend for the rookies.”
Khan spoke to reporters Friday and said that he feels the extensive receiver room is in a great spot, which helped the Steelers come to the conclusion to commerce Pickens after the draft. The timing was a shock, however finally, the transfer of Pickens to the Cowboys by way of commerce wasn’t, because the Steelers weren’t going to increase Pickens after buying and selling for extensive receiver DK Metcalf this offseason and giving him an enormous extension.
Khan added that issues moved moderately shortly after the draft and said that this was finest for everybody on this scenario, with Pickens needing a brand new deal.
For Tomlin, there’s nothing extra so as to add. He’s stated his peace about Pickens time and time once more. Regardless of largely defending him and downplaying issues, Tomlin did have pointed feedback final season after the Week 13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on the highway, stating Pickens wanted to develop up after he had a number of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties within the sport that hindered the Steelers’ offense.
That message seemingly by no means obtained by to Pickens, who had some perspective points late within the season after coming back from a hamstring damage, reportedly confirmed up late to the Christmas Day sport towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, and was additionally reportedly exhibiting as much as conferences and practices late all through the season.
So, the Steelers moved on.
Tomlin is transferring on, too, placing his concentrate on the chance that the rookies, younger gamers, and a few veteran tryouts have this weekend with the franchise as 45 gamers hit the sphere for work in an effort to attempt to catch the attention of some evaluators and earn a roster spot.
