The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to be much of a force offensively for years now. Dating back to the 2024 season, the last of which George Pickens spent in Pittsburgh.

The young receiver had an exciting start to his career, and put up three statistically productive seasons in Pittsburgh. But due to some character questions from the Steelers’ standpoint, they elected to trade him to Dallas for a third-round pick last offseason. Since joining the Cowboys, Pickens immediately blossomed with over 1,400 receiving yards.

Pickens feels that’s due to him facing less pressure, thanks to his teammate CeeDee Lamb. A feeling he wishes he felt in Pittsburgh.

“I feel like he brought out in me more creativity, more freedom. And then I feel like vice versa, honestly. I feel like before he always felt pressure, he always felt like he was under some constraints. Me too (with) the Steelers. Just definitely us having each other’s back.,” Pickens said Friday via a tweet from Jon Marchota.

Cowboys WR George Pickens talking about CeeDee Lamb: “I feel like he brought out in me more creativity, more freedom. And then I feel like vice versa, honestly. I feel like before he always felt pressure, he always felt like he was under some constraints. Me too (with) the… pic.twitter.com/gy3yzveTF2

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 29, 2026

It’s hard to blame George Pickens for being happy with his new surroundings. He just had easily the best year of his career, with 1,429 receiving yards on 93 receptions, while scoring nine times. Each of those numbers were career-best marks by a wide margin. It certainly is a far cry from the 900 yards and three scores he put up during his final year in Pittsburgh.

That’s the benefit that comes with playing alongside talent. Pickens is catching the ball from Dak Prescott, a veteran with a long history of success and MVP-caliber seasons. Lamb is also one of the best receivers in the game, and sharing the field with him creates a ton of opportunities for Pickens.

The Steelers never had someone of Lamb’s caliber to pair with Pickens. But the names they did surround him with still weren’t close. Diontae Johnson did put some solid years together in 2022 and 2023, but not anything that would have allowed Pickens the success he’s had now. In 2024, the Steelers’ best receiver aside from Pickens was Calvin Austin III with just 548 yards.

Ironically, the Steelers have started to fix their receiver position after Pickens left. It wasn’t good in 2025, but has much more potential in 2026. DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. form a respectable receiving duo, something the Steelers haven’t had. Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard each bring potential for the future as well.

It didn’t work out for George Pickens and the Steelers. He’s certainly thriving in his new home, and he credits the extra talent he gets to play with now. Meanwhile, the Steelers hope their own receiving corps can find a way to step up without him.