PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback didn’t hold back when weighing in on the team’s recent trade involving star wide receiver George Pickens, calling it “one of the most regrettable decisions in recent Steelers history.”.Ng1

Pickens, drafted by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, quickly emerged as a dynamic playmaker with a unique combination of speed, agility, and clutch performance. Over the past two seasons, he became a favorite target in the Steelers’ passing game, turning heads with highlight-reel catches and game-changing plays. His sudden trade to [Team Name] stunned the Steelers’ faithful, many of whom saw him as a cornerstone for the team’s offensive future.

The former QB, who played several seasons with the Steelers and remains a respected voice in the Pittsburgh football community, expressed disappointment at what he described as a “short-sighted move that undermines the team’s offensive potential.” On the podcast, he said, “George Pickens isn’t just another receiver. He’s the kind of player who can change a game with one catch. Letting him go like this? It’s hard to see it as anything but a mistake.”

Reactions on social media mirrored the former quarterback’s sentiment. Fans flooded Steelers-related pages with comments ranging from frustration to disbelief, questioning the front office’s decision-making and calling for transparency. Some fans expressed hope that the trade could eventually benefit the team in the long term, citing potential draft picks or salary cap flexibility, but the immediate backlash has been unmistakable.

Analysts point out that while the Steelers may have had strategic reasons for the trade, losing a young, high-upside talent like Pickens leaves a noticeable gap in their offensive arsenal. The former QB’s public critique has only intensified scrutiny of the team’s roster strategy, making it a hot topic for upcoming games and media coverage.

As the Steelers move forward without Pickens, fans are left debating the trade’s impact on the team’s playoff chances and overall offensive identity. Meanwhile, the former quarterback’s candid remarks highlight a broader conversation about talent evaluation, team loyalty, and the challenges of balancing short-term strategy with long-term potential.

Whether Pickens’ departure will haunt the Steelers or ultimately pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the discussion sparked by the former QB’s comments is far from over.