It reached a point that Tomlin urged the receiver to "grow up" after a December game against the rival Cincinnati Bengals that saw the Georgia product pick up two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties just one game after scuffling with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II.

While speaking during an introductory conference call, Pickens publicly responded to what Tomlin and Rooney had to say.

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan says trading wide receiver George Pickens was the right thing for both sides.