It has been a turbulent year for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. During the first 13 games of the year, his presence was critical for the team. While both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson handled quarterback duties, Pickens’ ability to stretch the field made the Steelers offense dangerous.
However, a hamstring injury held him out of three games in the second half of the season. Since his return, his stock has continued to fall. After Week 18, that value hit a record-low, with Pittsburgh’s AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens, openly mocking him.
Baltimore Ravens Label George Pickens ‘Soft’
The situation arose thanks to the Ravens locker room trying out Lamar Jackson’s newest fragrance, Night Lights. In a since viral quote, Jackson explained the concept behind a unisex cologne and his preference for soft smells.
“People may not know this about me, but I’d rather prefer girl perfume, like something real soft,” Jackson said. “So that’s what made me want to create something unisex, instead of just all about us men. I was like, man, I like to smell like a female sometimes, so get something that can be in between.”
On Monday, Baltimore gave the fragrance a shot. With notes of neroli, cinnamon bark, incense, papyrus, amber, and sandalwood, it was certainly more soft and feminine than the typical men’s cologne.
Immediately, names like Kyle Hamilton, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor rejected the scent, claiming it wasn’t for them. However, the Baltimore Banner’s video caught the conversation going on in the background of the video.
While Travis Jones was giving it a try, someone could be heard saying, “It smells like George Pickens,” to which another player answered, “Soft? Yeah smells just like that.” Given the vitriol and heated rivalry between the two sides, it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that the players had a grudge against Pickens.
Ravens players tried out Lamar’s new cologne but listen a little closer…
“It smells like George Pickens.”
“Soft? Yeah smells just like that.”Saturday is going to be fun 🍿 pic.twitter.com/8GjuYiQXAH
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) January 6, 2025
Unfortunately, in the final game of the season, the Steelers struggled and Pickens failed to make an impact. Even though he had just one reception on six targets, on which he didn’t account for any yards, he was still jawing with fans in attendance. Pittsburgh ended the season on a four-game losing streak. As a result, the Steelers will visit the Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
Some of Baltimore’s feistiness might also come from a place of healthy competitiveness and respect. The Ravens beat the Steelers in Week 16 to split the season series, but that victory came with Pickens on the sidelines.
In their earlier matchup, he was sublime, totaling 89 yards on just eight receptions as Pittsburgh won 18-16. Even though he isn’t the most popular player right now — perhaps a target for his tendency to commit penalties — the potency Pickens gives the Steelers is invaluable. Moreover, his contribution will be essential if the team wants to make a deep playoff run. His absence is part of why Pittsburgh fell to 25th in Pro Football Network’s Offense+ rankings ahead of Week 18, a troubling trend that continued in the regular season finale.
Ultimately, Pickens is an easy target given his inconsistencies and controversies. He can quiet that noise with a strong playoff outing on Saturday.