Report: George Pickens made a late appearance for the Steelers’ Christmas game against the Chiefs

Steelers receiver George Pickens has been the subject of much discussion as to whether his off-field issues outweigh his impressive talent. And that’s without knowing all the off-field issues that have happened with Pickens this season.

According to TheAthletic.com, Pickens showed up late to the Steelers Christmas Day game against the Chiefs, not arriving at the stadium until the Steelers submit their inactive list. According to the report, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told all players to be there at least two hours before kickoff, but Pickens arrived an hour and 25 minutes before kickoff.

Despite this, Pickens started the game and received the most snaps and the most targets of any wide receiver on the team. That issue with Pickens was portrayed in the report as a sign that Tomlin had let things get out of hand and that it was time for the Steelers to move on from Pickens, who is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie deal.

Pickens’ attitude at the Chiefs game has already raised eyebrows because after the Steelers lost, Pickens approached Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce to congratulate them for being recognized as the players of the game on the Netflix broadcast. Some interpreted that as a sign that Pickens wanted to be traded to the Chiefs.

Tomlin said he wants his players to be volunteers, not hostages, which would mean that if Pickens wants to be traded, Tomlin can grant that request. But Pickens also led the Steelers with 900 receiving yards this season despite missing three games. He is their most talented receiver, and losing him would be a blow to the offense.

The Steelers, however, may decide that if they want to build a team that can actually win in the playoffs, they need players who are all-in, something Pickens hasn’t fully embraced.