Some NFL exits are clean, while o thers are packed with tension, missed meetings, and sideline drama. George Pickens’ departure from Pittsburgh was the latter. His move to Dallas wasn’t just a trade; it was an escape from a situation that pushed him to a breaking point. And now, as the Cowboys consider a long-term deal, the story of why he left the Steelers seems clearer.

The turning point began with Pittsburgh’s unstable quarterback setup. Last season, Russell Wilson started as QB1. Justin Fields was added on a short-term deal. Neither was locked in as the future. The rotating plan created a weekly guessing game that frustrated Pickens.

As one Steelers source put it, “That’s where a lot of the issues from Pittsburgh stem from. He didn’t have stability at quarterback.” An

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