In the wake of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ stunning decision to trade star wide receiver George Pickens, former safety and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark is revisiting earlier comments he made about head coach Mike Tomlin and the direction of the franchise.
Just days after Pickens was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks in a high-profile move that sent shockwaves through the NFL, Clark—never one to mince words—found himself walking back some strong criticism he previously aimed at Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office. Speaking on ESPN’s NFL Live on Wednesday, Clark acknowledged that his earlier remarks may have been “unfair” and lacked the broader context of the team’s internal strategy.
“Sometimes, as a former player, emotions get the best of you”
“I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve when it comes to the Steelers,” Clark began. “But I also know how much Coach T means to that organization and the kind of leader he is. When the Pickens trade happened, my first reaction was emotional. I thought we were giving up on talent and heading in the wrong direction. But when you really look at the full picture, there’s clearly a plan in place—and that starts with Mike Tomlin.”
Clark previously called the team’s handling of offensive talent “inconsistent” and questioned whether Tomlin had lost the locker room after a series of underwhelming playoff exits. However, his tone shifted drastically after speaking with sources inside the organization who explained the rationale behind trading Pickens.
Pickens trade draws mixed reactions
George Pickens, known for his electric downfield presence and emotional flair, was traded to Seattle in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2026. The move came after reports surfaced of growing tension between Pickens and the coaching staff regarding his role in the offense, especially with Russell Wilson’s arrival and Arthur Smith’s new offensive scheme.
While fans and analysts were initially puzzled, the Steelers appear committed to reworking their offensive identity around discipline, balance, and long-term roster cohesion.
Clark added, “When you’re rebuilding or reloading, sometimes tough choices have to be made. And if George wasn’t fully bought in, then maybe it was best for both sides. But that doesn’t mean Coach Tomlin’s leadership is in question. If anything, this shows he’s willing to make bold decisions to shape the culture.”
Steelers locker room reportedly behind Tomlin
According to multiple league insiders, Tomlin maintains the respect and support of the locker room, even in the face of difficult roster changes. Veteran players, including T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, have spoken out in defense of their coach’s vision, urging fans to stay patient and trust the process.
“Coach T has always been about team first,” Heyward said in a press conference. “We all love George, and we wish him the best. But we’re focused on what’s ahead.”
Clark’s final word: “Never doubt Tomlin too long”
Clark, who won a Super Bowl with the Steelers under Tomlin, ended his remarks with a heartfelt admission: “Listen, I’ve played for the man. I know what he stands for. So while I may have jumped the gun in my critique, I also know better than to bet against Mike Tomlin. Pittsburgh’s got something brewing, and I’ll be watching.”