Steelers Insider Not Convinced Team's Locker Room Isn't Starting To Turn On George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a bit of a risk when the front office decided to draft wide receiver, George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The pick wasn't in question because of his talent, but rather, the pass catcher's character concerns. He has 82 catches for 1,322 yards and seven touchdowns in his 25 games played, but hasn't been a focal point in 2023. The organization is no stranger to dramatic locker room antics, and now, Head Coach Mike Tomlin needs to decide how he would like to proceed with a talented young player who deserves to be involved in the offensive scheme much more.

One of the most respected and experienced Steelers insiders, Mark Kaboly, has been reporting on the franchise for roughly two decades. He wrote a piece (that can be found here) on Wednesday in relation to the recent controversies surrounding Pickens and his apparent frustration about not being the top guy on Pittsburgh's offense.

After a huge Week 9 win on Thursday Night Football over the Tennessee Titans, Kaboly noted that Pickens was essentially an eye sore during and after the game. The insider implied that the wideout has no true understanding or respect for the group that he goes to battle for each week.

"What is unacceptable is what we saw on the field in between plays against the Titans — a total lack of respect for his teammates."

It's hard to ignore the images of Diontae Johnson celebrating his first score in nearly two years while Pickens pouts towards the sideline. Overall, though, it's not a far-fetched idea to think that Pickens loves winning, but also is upset about his usage since Johnson came back from a hamstring ailment that landed him on Injured Reserve.

Kaboly wasn't done writing about quietly ripping Pickens for his recent antics. It seemed as if he believed the locker room might not be necessarily happy with what has gone on recently. There were two teammates, who have not exactly been beloved and positively acknowledge by fans, who stepped up in a big moment, but, to Kaboly, it seemed like Pickens didn't care.

"Your quarterback — who also has struggled — made a spot-on throw, and nothing from you? Your team wins the game, and you are — by far — the first player off the field and quickly gone from the locker room."

The Steelers locker room under Head Coach Mike Tomlin has often been viewed as a unit that competes for a player's coach. That isn't always the best solution and Kaboly, who has been around the team longer than any 2023 player, believes that there are some negative thoughts about Pickens going on.

"If you don’t think that gets the attention of other players, then you don’t know football."

Kaboly wrote it best. Locker room conflicts are often kept from fans, but anyone who has ever played sports in general knows that there are in-house situations that create distraction. The true conversation that needs to be discussed in the Steelers' building should revolve around Pickens and if he is a distraction or simply just over passionate about his production and winning.

Kaboly is also convinced that someone within the organization, most likely Tomlin or wide receivers coach, Frismam Jackson, had some kind of stern conversation with Pickens about his recent antics that are drawing attention to the team.

"I can assure you somebody within the organization has addressed Pickens’ behavior to his face, whether it was wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson or Tomlin himself. There is just no real benefit to making that public knowledge."

Steelers Have Potential To Boast One Of The NFL's Best Group Of Wide Receivers

Pickens is a huge part when it comes to Pittsburgh's offense. That is a fact that can't be unrecognized, but there are plenty of other talents on the offense, and at the wide receiver position in particular. Johnson, Calvin Austin III and Allen Robinson II all have the ability to make significant contributions. Tomlin seemingly has another player on offense who has a "me first, team second" personality. That can't be accepted, but Steelers fans won't be expected to hold their breaths going forward.

Do you think that the Steelers have another dramatic wide receiver in Pickens? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation