George Pickens' tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers ended prematurely, as the young receiver was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason after just three seasons in Pittsburgh.
Pickens was expected to develop into the Steelers' long-term No.1 receiver. However, due to maturity issues and the team trading for DK Metcalf, the 24-year-old no longer fit into Pittsburgh's future plans, so they moved him to Dallas for a third-round pick.
Since being traded, Pickens has thrown some subtle shots at the Steelers. During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan last week, the Georgia product stated that the Cowboys are known for winning, and he understands the camaraderie in Dallas more than he did in Pittsburgh.
"I understand the camaraderie [with the Cowboys] more than I did in Pittsburgh," Pickens said. "The Cowboys are known for the Super Bowl. If they weren't known for that, nobody would care about the Cowboys."
One NFL analyst who didn't appreciate Pickens' comments was ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who fired back at the former Steelers receiver on First Take on Monday.
"George Pickens, do you have any idea when you talk about the Super Bowl and the Cowboys?" Smith said. "You do understand that the Steelers are a more successful franchise. Do you understand what you're saying? Talk about a brother who needs to pick up a book."
The Cowboys and Steelers are two of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL, so comparing the two isn't necessary, though Pittsburgh has won more Super Bowls.
Nevertheless, it's clear that Pickens is still sour about the way his stint with the Steelers ended, but is happy to receive a fresh start in Dallas. However, Smith, who is an avid Steelers fan and Cowboys hater, wouldn't let the promising young pass-catcher get away with his comments.
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