Steelers' George Pickens raises eyebrows over postgame handshakes with Chiefs stars

Joy Taylor breaks down the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent struggles and evaluates whether they are true contenders or pretenders in the playoff race.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens raised eyebrows Wednesday when he congratulated Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mahomes and Kelce joined Netflix’s Stacey Dales to talk about the team’s 29-10 win. 

Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and Kelce had eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown and reached the 1,000-career reception mark during the game.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) hits Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second half Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

As the two star players were talking, Pickens interrupted the interview to give his respect.

The move sparked a debate among fans. Some praised Pickens for good sportsmanship, while others cynically suggested it was the wide receiver attempting to influence a future trade.

CHIEFS CLINCH NO. 1 SEED, FIRST-ROUND BYE IN PLAYOFFS WITH DOMINANT WIN OVER STEELERS

Pickens had three catches on seven targets for 50 yards.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) embrace after a game Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh.  (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

The wide receiver has been a source of consternation this season. He got into a fight with a Cleveland Browns player on one of the last plays of a game in a matchup last month. He was then flagged for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked