Surprising Movement in the NFL: George Pickens Joins the Dallas Cowboys
An unexpected trade shook the NFL on Wednesday morning, marking one of the most significant moves of the 2025 offseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to send the talented but unpredictable wide receiver George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys, in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
This agreement ends Pickens’ three-year stint in Pittsburgh, where, after being selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, he amassed 174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 13 touchdowns, including a 1,000-yard season in 2023. However, his time with the Steelers was marked by certain controversies, including apparent dissatisfaction with the team’s offense and criticism from some NFL observers about his lack of effort.
George Pickens’ best season was in 2023, with 63 receptions (106 targets) for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.
Why did the Steelers decide to let Pickens go?
The Steelers had been exploring possible trades for their star receiver before the draft, but conversations paused during the event, failing to get the desired value for Pickens. By finalizing the trade now, the Steelers avoid a potentially tense offseason, especially considering that Pickens is in the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension.
Although he was an explosive and productive player for the Steelers, Pickens displayed concerning behavior during his three years with the team, often drawing the ire of his coaches for his reactions on the bench and costly celebrations. Coach Mike Tomlin, after a game against the Bengals, stated: “He needs to mature. This is an emotional game, but he needs to mature, and quickly.”
How does Pickens fit into the Cowboys’ offense?
The Cowboys are looking to add speed and dynamism to their offense, complementing CeeDee Lamb. Pickens, with a time of 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine, led the NFL in yards per reception in 2023 with 18.1. According to NFL data, Pickens ranks third in receiving yards on vertical routes since 2022, with 1,630 yards.
In 2023, his 15.3 yards per reception were the sixth-most among receivers with 50 or more receptions. The last time the Cowboys had a receiver with 50 or more receptions averaging over 15 yards per reception was Michael Gallup in 2019.
Impact on the Steelers and Possible Future Moves
Pickens’ departure leaves the Steelers with limited depth at the wide receiver position, behind DK Metcalf. Although the team pursued a trade for Brandon Aiyuk, the team is now expected to take a more balanced approach, with a strong running game. Pickens’ absence may not significantly affect the Steelers’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, as the team has maintained communication with the player during the offseason.
A look at George Pickens’ NFL stats after the trade that sends him to Dallas to play alongside CeeDee Lamb.
What options do the Steelers have at the wide receiver position?
Following the Pickens trade, the Steelers’ options at receiver appear limited, but the team has room to maneuver. They could use one of their third-round picks in the upcoming draft to acquire another veteran receiver. Names that could be considered include DJ Moore and Romeo Doubs, in addition to potential free agency options like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper.
Why did the Cowboys wait so long to reinforce their WR2 position?
The Cowboys tried to recruit Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the draft, but he was selected by the Carolina Panthers. The team prefers not to invest large sums in free agency. Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert could be the most affected by Pickens’ arrival, although his numbers from last year could be acceptable for a number 3 receiver if the Cowboys’ offense performs at its best.
What is Pickens’ contract situation?
Despite the trade involving the delivery of a third-round pick, the Cowboys do not plan to extend Pickens’ contract and expect him to play the final year of his rookie contract. The Cowboys have several outstanding contractual matters with key players such as Micah Parsons, Jake Ferguson, and DaRon Bland, and will need to make strategic decisions considering their limited resources.
