Cowboys Acquire George Pickens in Trade with Steelers
The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their receiving corps, acquiring wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade finalized on Wednesday, according to numerous reports. The move addresses a significant need for the Cowboys, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with a potentially explosive target to complement CeeDee Lamb.
The Steelers, in exchange for Pickens, will receive a 2026 third-round draft pick and a future pick swap, ESPN initially reported. The Cowboys later confirmed the deal, clarifying the specific terms. Dallas will receive a 2026 sixth-round draft pick from Pittsburgh, while the Steelers will receive a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick from the Cowboys. The details highlight the Cowboys’ eagerness to secure Pickens, as they parted with a higher-value pick while only gaining a late-round selection in return.
Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones had previously hinted at the possibility of "substantive trades" either before or after the NFL Draft. This acquisition of Pickens appears to be the realization of that intention. Adding a player of Pickens’ caliber represents a significant investment in the team’s offensive potential. The Cowboys are clearly aiming to improve their offensive output after a disappointing season.
The addition of Pickens should alleviate some of the defensive pressure on CeeDee Lamb, who has become the undisputed number one receiver for the Cowboys. Opposing defenses will now have to account for Pickens’ big-play ability, which could open up more opportunities for Lamb and other offensive players. The hope is that this combination will create a more dynamic and unpredictable offense for Dallas.
For George Pickens, the upcoming 2025 season will be crucial. It represents the final year of his rookie contract, presenting him with a "prove-it" opportunity. His performance next season will largely determine his future value and whether the Cowboys decide to offer him a long-term contract extension. If the Cowboys choose not to re-sign him, he will become an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams. Pickens has a lot to play for as he enters this pivotal phase of his career.
In the 2024 season with the Steelers, Pickens recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. While his raw statistics are impressive, his tenure in Pittsburgh was also marked by controversy. He engaged in heated arguments with fans, was involved in an on-field altercation with a Cleveland Browns player, and was publicly reprimanded by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin for multiple infractions during a game. These incidents suggest a maturity or discipline issues that the Cowboys will need to address.
Adding to the concerns, Pickens expressed pessimism about the Steelers’ future following their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. This public display of negativity raised questions about his commitment to the team and his overall attitude. The Cowboys will need to ensure that Pickens’ focus remains on contributing positively to the team and avoiding distractions.
The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7-10 season. The team struggled offensively, ranking 17th in yards gained and 21st in points scored. Quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury mid-season, which undoubtedly impacted the team’s performance. The acquisition of Pickens signals an effort to revitalize the offense and provide Prescott with the tools he needs to succeed.
Beyond player personnel, the Cowboys underwent significant changes in their coaching staff. The team parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy and appointed Brian Schottenheimer as his replacement. Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy and his ability to integrate Pickens into the team’s system will be critical factors in determining the success of this trade.
The Cowboys are betting that Pickens’ talent outweighs his potential for causing problems. They believe he can be a valuable asset to their offense and help them compete for a Super Bowl. However, they will also need to manage him carefully and ensure that he remains focused and disciplined.
The Steelers, on the other hand, are seemingly comfortable moving on from Pickens, perhaps due to the concerns surrounding his behavior and attitude. They are receiving valuable draft capital in return, which they can use to address other needs on their roster. The Steelers might view this trade as an opportunity to improve their team’s chemistry and focus on players who are fully committed to the organization.
The trade for George Pickens is a high-risk, high-reward move for the Dallas Cowboys. If Pickens can live up to his potential and remain disciplined, he could be the missing piece that helps them contend for a championship. If not, the Cowboys could be facing another disappointing season and questions about their decision-making. Only time will tell whether this trade proves to be a success or a failure. The pressure is now on George Pickens to prove that he is worth the investment and that he can be a positive force for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are banking on his raw talent to provide a spark to the Cowboy’s offense. How the trade works out will be a storyline throughout the 2025 season and beyond.
