GEORGE PICKENS has sent shock waves through Steeler nation with his comments after the playoff defeat to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.
The star receiver picked up 900 yards in his 12 starts this season and had a team-high 87 yards, plus a touchdown in the 28-14 defeat.
Pickens, a 2022 second round pick, is undoubtedly the team’s top offensive weapon but didn’t hold back after Pittsburgh crashed out of the playoffs after a FIFTH straight defeat.
After the loss, he was asked if he had seen growth from the team in his three seasons.
He replied: “Yeah, I’ve seen signs of growth for sure.
“From first year I’ve been here, just way more growth, for sure.”
Pickens was then asked if that made him optimistic for the future, he then said: “Uh, nah.”
It is unclear exactly what Pickens was referring to, although the are huge question marks hanging over the franchise heading into next season.
Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields – who was benched after throwing just five touchdowns in six games – are free agents.
His comments could also have been directed at offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, or long-serving head coach Mike Tomlin – who is facing increased pressure from the fans after another loss.
Pittsburgh had been 10-3 at one point in the season but ended the season on a four game losing streak before the defeat to Baltimore.
Pickens was also critical of the team’s slow starts and pointed to a potential reason why.
He added: “I’d probably say just getting the guys ready.”
“When you come out and guys are trying, guys are trying their hardest – the game of football is just gonna happen.
“Guys are gonna get upfield. They’ve got good players that get paid, too.
“So, just trying our best to come out fast.”
While Wilson’s future is unclear, it is clear that the 36-year-old QB wants to carry on with the franchise.
He said: “It’s been truly a blessing in my life, it’s been one of the best years for me personally to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and obviously I hope I’m here and everything else.
NFL Wild Card Weekend schedule
Saturday, January 11:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 pm ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12:
- No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 1:00 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 pm ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 pm ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
Monday, January 13:
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN, ABC)
“I trust God whenever that is. It’s a special, special place.”
There are also reports that other teams may trade for Tomlin, but NFL insider Adam Schefter believes he will only not be in charge next season if he wants to leave.
“Anything that would happen in Pittsburg involving Mike Tomlin would come with his consent and his consent only.
“A loss like last night’s might further teams to look into it.
“Pittsburgh hasn’t given any indication it wants to move on from Mike Tomlin and this has been the most patient franchise not just in football, but maybe sports.
“When Bill Cowher was struggling at the end and fans in Pittsburgh wanted him gone, the Rooneys stuck with him and he wound up winning another Super Bowl.
“There’s no indication this franchise wants to move on from Mike Tomlin right now.
“But this is an organization right now that is going to have to address some issues in the offseason.”
