Jets’ Davante Adams’ Surprising Take on George Pickens As Steelers WR Abandons Media Day

When NFL stars talk, they often leave a trail of insights. And the drama is a given. As the Steelers prepare for their wild-card game against the Ravens, their WR got some thoughts from a surprising source. Davante Adams didn’t disappoint when he dished on George Pickens. 

Adams showered the young Steelers wide receiver with praise while slyly addressing his unpredictable side. Adams was all praises during his appearance on Up and Adams. “George is a hell of a talent,” Adams said. “He’s got a very unorthodox style. And I’ve told him I’m a fan of his game ever since college. He’s a dawg. I’ve always been a fan of him, his physicality coming off the ball.” The Jets receiver went on to applaud Pickens’s contested catch ability. And he even likened it to Odell Beckham Jr.’s legendary grabs.

Yet Adams didn’t gloss over Pickens’s temperament, noting his “wild card” tendencies. Adams is not wrong. This season Pickens had 59 receptions out of 103 receiving targets. He had 900 yards with 3 touchdowns.

The “wild card” label is hard to shake. Pickens’s ability to dominate defenders is undeniable. He’s hauled in 12 catches of 30+ air yards this season. This is second only to Tyreek Hill since 2000. Yet his sideline antics and occasional disinterest on the field raise eyebrows. Adams believes Steelers coach Mike Tomlin can manage Pickens, much like he handled Antonio Brown. But for how long?

Pickens’s jaw-dropping talent often clashes with his mercurial nature. Some fans see them as bold, focused moves. Others see it as just another chapter in Pickens’s unpredictable story. And the Steelers face a tough decision now.

Extend Pickens or cut ties before his volatility outweighs his value? Pittsburgh has a history of moving on from wideouts with diva tendencies. But Pickens’s raw talent makes him tough to replace. Can he rein in his personality to reach his full potential?

George Pickens skips media day: Bold move or blunder?

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported on Pickens skipping his routine media day interviews this week. His decision to skip Media Day comes at a critical time. The Steelers are set to face their rivals in a high-stakes playoff battle, the Ravens. And missing a chance to rally the fanbase and media raises questions. Was it a tactical choice to focus on the game? Or was it a reflection of his “wild card” nature?

Either way, his absence leaves room for interpretation… and, of course, for that of criticism. Fans are divided, with some defending his focus while others question his commitment. Davante Adams’ words resonate here. “Everybody’s got a different personality,” Adams said. He hinted at Pickens’s need for Tomlin’s guidance.

“He’s got one of the best head coaches in the game over there to help deal with him. Similar to how he dealt with AB. Obviously having him is going gonna help,” Adams added. The veteran receiver recognizes Pickens’s evident talent but also the challenges that come with it. Pickens has set the stakes pretty high for himself with his shenanigans. His playoff performance will either overshadow or amplify his Media Day snub.

A standout game could silence critics. But a lackluster showing might intensify the scrutiny. Pickens’s role looms large as the Steelers navigate this playoff run. His talent is undeniable. But the question remains: can he balance brilliance with stability? Fans and analysts will watch closely. As they know, the outcome could shape the Steelers’ future and George Pickens’s legacy.