George Pickens has been transferred from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys. Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shared insights regarding this decision, noting that it was driven more by Pickens' personal growth than his athletic abilities.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Tomlin expressed that while Pickens possesses the potential to excel, concerns about his development in various intangible aspects influenced the trade. He stated, "For us, I just thought, it's not only play. It's development in other areas, intangible areas."
Tomlin emphasized that the qualities beyond performance are crucial for players, especially when considering the responsibilities tied to a significant second contract. ESPN insider Dan Graziano pointed out that there was minimal interest from other teams in Pickens when the Cowboys used the non-exclusive franchise tag on him.
This situation has led to speculation that teams are waiting to see if he can evolve into a leader.
Tomlin remarked, "A second contract didn't happen for us with George. But that doesn't necessarily mean that he's not gonna be a spectacular player." This indicates that while the Steelers had doubts about Pickens' readiness for a foundational role, the Cowboys may be hopeful about his ability to prove them wrong.
