The Dallas Cowboys have officially secured their No. 2 wide receiver, acquiring George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade finalized on May 7, 2025. The Cowboys will send a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers while receiving Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick in return, according to ESPN.
At just 24 years old, Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract after being drafted 52nd overall by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia. His arrival in Dallas is set to complement Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with a dynamic receiving duo that has been lacking since the days of Amari Cooper.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had previously hinted at the need for a second wideout, stating, "the train had not left the station" in their ongoing search for a player who could pair effectively with Lamb. Last season, Jalen Tolbert was the team's second-leading receiver with 610 yards, but the Cowboys have been eager for a more impactful option.
Pickens' performance in Pittsburgh has been impressive, as he recorded at least 800 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, including a career-high 1,140 yards in 2023. However, his time with the Steelers was not without its challenges. Reports indicated that Pickens had a tumultuous season, which included showing up late for a Christmas game against the Chiefs and receiving multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had publicly addressed Pickens' need for maturity, stating, "He's just got to grow up, man," following a December game against the Bengals where Pickens was flagged for infractions. Despite these issues, general manager Omar Khan had expressed an openness to extending Pickens' contract earlier in the offseason, but the acquisition of DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks complicated his future in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers signed Metcalf to a lucrative four-year, $132 million deal, which positioned him as the team’s primary receiving threat, thus diminishing Pickens' role. In his last season with the Steelers, Pickens played 14 games, starting 12, and finished with 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, they are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 7-10 finish last year. Prescott, who missed the final nine games of the previous season due to injury, is expected to return healthy, and the addition of Pickens could significantly enhance the Cowboys' offensive capabilities.
Dallas finished 11th in the NFL in passing offense last season, but with the addition of Pickens, they aim to climb higher in the rankings. The Cowboys have not had a reliable No. 2 receiver since Cooper's departure, and Pickens' skill set could provide the perfect complement to Lamb's playmaking abilities.
In the wake of Pickens' trade, the Steelers are left to navigate their future plans, particularly regarding their quarterback situation. With Russell Wilson having departed for the New York Giants after a disappointing playoff exit, the Steelers are in the market for a new signal-caller. They are awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers about his playing status for the 2025 season.
As the story unfolds, both teams are poised for new chapters with their respective rosters. The Cowboys are banking on Pickens to be a key contributor in their pursuit of playoff success, while the Steelers will look to leverage their new receiving corps featuring Metcalf and potentially another quarterback to lead them in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the trade marks a significant move for both franchises. The Cowboys are eager to enhance their offensive firepower, while the Steelers are adjusting their strategy following a season of highs and lows. As the NFL gears up for training camp, all eyes will be on how these changes impact both teams in the 2025 season.
