The Pittsburgh Steelers have managed to survive without any household names at receiver behind George Pickens this season. Pickens’ production has been a big reason why. The 23-year-old has twice as many receptions and receiving yards than any other Steelers wideout this season.

Yet, Pickens is still wearing out his welcome in Pittsburgh according to many pundits.

This week, TribLive.com’s Mark Madden wrote that Pickens “isn’t very bright and lacks accountability. Pickens’ rookie deal doesn’t expire until after the 2025 season, but Madden also argued that the Steelers have little choice but to depart with Pickens this upcoming offseason.

“The Steelers need to draft a receiver, find another in free agency and ditch Pickens in the offseason,” wrote Madden. “His contract expires after the 2025 campaign, but extending him for big money would be stupid. Pickens’ idiocy too often undoes his ability. (Pickens can’t be a lame duck on an expiring contract next season. He’d go totally cuckoo.)”

Madden also addressed the notion from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin that Pickens has a target on his back.

“Tomlin should note Pickens put that target there himself. It hurts the Steelers,” wrote Madden. “Pickens got illegally wrenched to the turf prior to Cincinnati’s first-quarter pick-6 but no call.

“Pickens is a proven pain in the backside that won’t get an officiating break. Which further dilutes what Pickens does.”

Pickens once again led the Steelers in receiving yards during Week 13. But as Madden noted, he lost 15 yards on penalties twice — after his second and third catches of the afternoon.

Furthermore, Pickens may have been fortunate to avoid a third foul. After scoring a touchdown on his first reception, he kicked the ball into the crowd. The officials didn’t call a penalty.