The simple definition of the word barter is to “exchange, trade, or swap.” According to www.ncesc.com: “The ‘Sale’ of Manhattan: Separating Fact from Fiction…” In the popular narrative, it is often claimed that the Lenape “sold” Manhattan to Peter Minuit, the Director of the New Netherland colony, for the equivalent of $24. However, this interpretation of events is oversimplified and fails to take into account the cultural differences between the Lenape and the Dutch. The Lenape did not have the same concept of land ownership as the Dutch. They saw the “sale” of Manhattan as a deal for sharing the land, rather than a complete transfer of ownership. The Dutch, on the other hand, viewed the transaction as a proper sale and expected the indigenous people to vacate the land.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded soon-to-be NFL All-Pro wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a trinket-like draft choice, did they expect joint ownership of the talented wideout? Did they expect Pickens to be on loan for half of the season? That ill-timed and goose-necked folly of a transaction may be the nail of finality that sealed the coffin ending the tenure of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. This was not a transaction, this was blatant inaction.
When the Steelers signed former Steeler and Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson and his colleague wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, the thought process of most fans and pundits alike was Pittsburgh was attempting to stack the deck, anticipating facing all challengers in the valley of the AFC North coming from all directions, North, South, East, and West. Finally, the Steelers appeared to seriously be trying to resuscitate an offense and an offensive strategy that has been comatose for more than the past few seasons. Instead, the Steelers gave the Dallas Cowboys a deck full of aces, as well as fronting Dallas a bankroll to play with. The brutal and unwise Pickens trade is comparable to a neurosurgeon performing brain surgery with a meat cleaver. They were scalped by the Dallas Cowboys. The “yinzer brigade” has finally gotten their wish to exile the so-called “troublesome” Pickens from the North Shore. Now the Black and Gold appeared to have to scramble to get Aaron Rodgers to pair with newly acquired wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, and are still scrambling for a secondary receiver to complement D.K.
Did the Steelers think they were going to “share” George Pickens with the Dallas Cowboys like the Lenapes thought that they were going to share Manhattan with the Dutch? This transaction was not for sharing anything, this was a win, win, and windfall for the rustlers from the west. George Pickens and the Steelers have now both been branded by Dallas. The Steelers have not just shot themselves in the foot. The team may have committed fiscal and personnel suicide that realistically will create a negative effect on the Steelers and Mike Tomlin for years to come. Just think of this lineup. Starting quarterback Justin Fields, backup quarterback Russell Wilson, wide receiver, George Pickens, wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, tight end Darnell Washington, tight end Pat Friermuth, running back Jaylen Warren, as well as a young and upcoming offensive line, damn that hurts. Meanwhile, some folks will not untie George Pickens from the “whipping post,” even posting unsubstantiated Internet posts claiming that he posted negative comments about the Steelers.
Mike Fisher recently posted this gem on sports.yahoo.com: “Cowboys Pickens Speaks Out On Hateful Post And Meets With Jerry Jones…” The article said that Pickens’ “reputation as an overly-emotional bad apple is what makes—or made—a hateful IG post seem believable. But is it? Many believed Pittsburgh and head coach Mike Tomlin had grown tired of Pickens’ immaturity and troublesome behavior, which could have led to his time with the Steelers being cut short. The post above claims to have screenshotted the comment left by Pickens’ personal Instagram account that rips into the Steelers, calling them the ‘cheapest organization’ in the NFL.”
But Pickens denounced the post as a fabrication, saying on Instagram, “Literally on a plane. No service. Just landed and seen straight lies from Pitt fans. Stop with AI trying to make a story. I’m happy for everything the Steel City did for me.”
This ill-fated deal and signing price of Aaron Rodgers shouldn’t be worth more than Steeler deals with all of the following players: quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, and running back Jaylen Warren combined, should it?
Could the Steelers’ acquisition of Aaron Rodgers be history repeating itself?
Could Rodgers be in line to become the next player/coach in professional sports? You know, like Bill Russell when he was hired as the player/coach of the Boston Celtics in April 1966 or when Pete Rose was hired as a player-manager of the Cincinnati Reds in August 1984?
How much autonomy will Mike Tomlin have to continue to be the big baller and shot-caller when Aaron Rodgers steps under center? Will there be nothing to fear for Tomlin but fear itself? Has Aaron Rodgers remained faithful attending his “NA” meetings? Ya, know, the “narcissism anonymous” meetings?
The Steelers did not trade George Pickens, they gave him away for a couple of ounces of “foolish gold,” not “fool’s gold.” If Santa’s reindeer Dunder and Blixem had signed such a deal, they would have been expected to pull a few 18-wheelers as well as a couple hundred Tesla trucks, you feel me? I want all of yinz guys to refer to this column in early December 2025 as the Steelers are sinking into the sand dunes of competition in the desert of the AFC North.
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