Chad Johnson makes huge George Pickens promise to Steelers, Art Rooney II

Since early December, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and team owner/president Art Rooney II have publicly discussed how wide receiver George Pickens needs to grow/grow up ahead of his fourth pro season. 

It appears former All-Pro receiver Chad Johnson could be part of Pickens' maturation process. 

"We done talked," Johnson said about Pickens during a recent edition of the "Nightcap" YouTube show and podcast, as shared by Jake Brockhoff of Steelers Depot and Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. "We had that conversation. I guarantee you won’t have any more problems out of him. Mike Tomlin, you gonna see this. Rooneys, you’re gonna see this. I guarantee you won’t have any more problems with him."

Maturity concerns hovered over Pickens long before he rocked a profane message on his eye black, grappled with an opposing cornerback during a Hail Mary attempt, was flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct in a contest, reportedly showed up late for Pittsburgh's Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs and suggested after the Steelers' playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens that he wasn't optimistic about the future of the Pittsburgh offense.  

Pickens unsurprisingly became the subject of trade rumors ahead of the postseason tournament, as the 23-year-old is on track to enter the final year of his rookie contract. However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" said during Super Bowl week that he feels "Pickens will be back" for at least one more season. 

Meanwhile, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo wrote for a piece published Thursday that he "could see" Tomlin wanting to hold onto Pickens. The perception exists that Tomlin "makes most" of the personnel decisions for the organization. 

"I told him, 'Listen, that window of opportunity, boy that b— shrink real fast now. It don't matter how good you are. They will tolerate you until they can replace you,'" Johnson added about the message he gave Pickens. 

Only time will tell if Johnson is right about the Steelers not having "any more problems" related to Pickens' antics or attitude. On paper, the Pittsburgh offense would be better with Pickens even if the club acquires a big-name target via free agency, a trade or the upcoming draft. Then again, the 2022 second-round pick may have simply worn out his welcome with the Steelers.