Cowboys Bolster Receiving Corps with Acquisition of George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys made a significant splash in the receiver market, acquiring George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade that sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 pick swap to the Steel City. The move comes less than two weeks after the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Cowboys notably did not select a receiver, signaling their intention to address the position through other avenues.
Pickens, a 24-year-old former second-round pick by the Steelers in 2022, has quickly established himself as a formidable starting receiver. During his three seasons in Pittsburgh, he consistently led the team in receiving yards for the past two seasons, showcasing his ability to be a reliable target. Over a 17-game average, Pickens has recorded 67 catches, 1,119 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
The Cowboys are banking on Pickens’ potential to provide an immediate and substantial upgrade to their receiving corps. The acquisition aims to create a dynamic duo alongside their established star receiver, CeeDee Lamb, and give quarterback Dak Prescott another weapon to elevate the Cowboys’ offense.
Pickens’ Role in Dallas: A Clear Number Two Option
With Pickens joining the team, the Cowboys’ receiving depth chart is undergoing a significant reshuffling. Currently, the Cowboys boast 13 receivers on their 90-man roster, all vying for a spot on the final 53-man roster and practice squad. However, the arrival of Pickens has solidified the top two positions.
CeeDee Lamb, at 26 years old, remains the undisputed number one receiver for the Cowboys. He has consistently delivered stellar performances, recording four consecutive seasons with over 1,100 receiving yards. His 2023 season was particularly impressive, earning him All-Pro honors with 135 receptions, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Lamb’s established chemistry with Dak Prescott and his lucrative four-year, $136 million contract guarantee his status as the team’s primary target.
Pickens is expected to seamlessly transition into the number two receiver role. His physical attributes, standing at 6-3 and weighing 200 pounds, make him a formidable presence on the field. Pickens is known for his exceptional ability to make contested catches, a skill that will be invaluable in tight coverage situations. His career average of 16.3 yards per reception indicates his potential as a downfield threat, capable of stretching the field and creating explosive plays.
The combination of Lamb and Pickens promises to create a physically imposing receiving tandem that will pose significant challenges for opposing cornerbacks. Their contrasting styles, with Lamb’s agility and route-running prowess complementing Pickens’ size and strength, should make them difficult to contain.
The Battle for Number Three and Beyond
While Lamb and Pickens have cemented their positions at the top of the depth chart, the competition for the number three receiver role and the remaining roster spots is expected to be fierce.
Jalen Tolbert, entering his third season with the Cowboys, may have a slight edge in the battle for the number three spot. He played a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense last season, accounting for 76.17% of the team’s offensive snaps among receivers. Tolbert set career-best marks in catches (49), receiving yards (610), and touchdowns (7), demonstrating his growth and potential.
KaVontae Turpin, known for his explosive playmaking abilities, is also a strong contender for the number three role. His speed and separation skills make him a valuable asset, capable of complementing the team’s bigger-bodied receivers. However, Turpin’s primary role as an All-Pro return man, coupled with his smaller frame (5-9, 153 pounds), may limit his opportunities as a full-time receiver. The Cowboys might utilize him more as a rotational gadget weapon.
Rondale Moore, acquired in a midseason trade with the Carolina Panthers, is another player to watch in the receiver competition. The Cowboys eased him into the offense after acquiring him, so his increased involvement in 2025 is possible. However, Moore’s skillset may overlap with Lamb and Pickens, potentially making him a backup option for the bigger receivers.
Depth Chart Battles: The Remaining Contenders
Beyond the top five receivers, several players are vying for the remaining spots on the 53-man roster and the practice squad.
David Durden and Jalen Brooks both saw significant playing time for the Cowboys last season, with Brooks playing 31.68% of the offensive snaps and Flournoy seeing 13.32%. Their experience within the Cowboys’ system could give them an advantage in the battle for the final roster spots.
Among the remaining contenders, Dennis Houston, Tyron Billy-Johnson, John Stephens Jr., Racey McMath, and Camron Johnson will need to impress in training camp and preseason games to earn a spot.
James Washington is the most intriguing player to watch in this group. The veteran receiver had six catches for 30 yards and a touchdown in five games with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Before that, in 2022, he posted 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns with the Indianapolis Colts. His versatility and experience could make him a valuable asset, potentially challenging for the backup slot receiver job.
Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense
The acquisition of George Pickens has the potential to significantly impact the Cowboys’ offense. His presence should draw defensive attention away from CeeDee Lamb, creating more opportunities for both receivers. Pickens’ contested catch ability will be particularly valuable in the red zone, giving Dak Prescott a reliable target in scoring situations.
The Cowboys’ offense will have more flexibility with Lamb and Pickens as their primary targets. They can use Lamb’s route-running skills to create mismatches in the short and intermediate passing game, while Pickens’ downfield threat can stretch the field and open up opportunities underneath.
Overall, the Cowboys’ acquisition of George Pickens addresses a significant need at the receiver position and should provide a major boost to their offense. Pickens’ combination of size, strength, and downfield ability makes him a perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb, creating a dynamic duo that will challenge opposing defenses. The competition for the remaining receiver spots will be fierce, but the Cowboys’ have significantly improved the receiver room.
