The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys on May 7 sent shockwaves through the NFL — but for those who’ve followed this franchise closely, it wasn’t exactly surprising. Pittsburgh has a long-standing pattern of moving on from wide receivers just before their value drops or off-field issues outweigh their production.
Historically, the organization rarely gives second contracts to its star pass-catchers, preferring to draft and develop new talent instead. The Steelers have consistently chosen flexibility and locker room stability over long-term receiver deals outside Hines Ward, Antonio Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster (who re-signed for just one year). Pittsburgh did extend Diontae Johnson, but he was traded before he played it out. There was no movement on a second contract for Pickens — and now we know why.
The Pickens trade may have raised eyebrows — and upset Steelers Nation — but it fits a blueprint that’s worked for decades. Outside of Brown and Smith-Schuster getting rings with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, these receivers Pittsburgh has jettisoned have fizzled out.
6 WR Departures That Prove Steelers Know When To Walk Away
1) Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown was the most productive wide receiver in football from 2013 to 2018, but his off-field antics and locker room tension led the Steelers to trade him to the Raiders in 2019. He never played a snap for Oakland and only one game for the New England Patriots; his time as a dominant force quickly faded.
Brown combined for 1,028 and eight touchdowns with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he amassed 11,207 and 74 touchdowns in Pittsburgh. The Steelers dodged a major long-term headache by moving on when they did.
2) JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu Smith-Schuster did get a second contract with the team, but only a one-year deal in 2021. Injuries and declining speed limited his impact, and the Steelers let him walk again in 2022. He later won a Super Bowl with Kansas City but didn’t maintain a significant role.
3) George Pickens
The latest example is George Pickens, who was shipped to Dallas following multiple behavioral concerns and internal discipline issues. Though his talent is undeniable, the Steelers stuck to their formula — and history suggests they may be proven right again.
4) Diontae Johnson
Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers in March 2024 after years of frustration with effort, body language, and locker room clashes. He spent last season with three teams: the Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. Johnson signed with the Cleveland Browns in free agency. Though productive, Pittsburgh had seen enough and got solid value before his contract expired.
5) Chase Claypool
Pittsburgh flipped Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick in 2022 — a move that now looks like theft. Since leaving the Steelers, Claypool has struggled to produce and was traded again, eventually landing with the Miami Dolphins. His effort and focus had become question marks in Pittsburgh.
6) Martavis Bryant
Multiple suspensions and off-field issues overshadowed Bryant’s explosive deep threat and on-field potential. The Steelers dealt him to the Oakland Raiders in 2018 for a third-round pick. He was suspended again shortly after the trade and never regained form in the NFL.
7) Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace turned down a long-term deal from Pittsburgh, leading the team to let him walk in free agency after the 2012 season. He signed with Miami and spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles before exiting the league in 2018. Wallace never matched his Steelers production (4,042 yards and 32 touchdowns). Pittsburgh replaced him seamlessly with Antonio Brown.
