In a move that could reshape the Cowboys’ offense and turn heads across the NFL, Dallas has struck a deal to land one of the league’s most electric young receivers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. The Cowboys will receive Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick, while the Steelers get a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return.
A Perfect Fit Beside CeeDee Lamb
Pickens, 24, enters a prime situation in Dallas—lining up opposite All-Pro CeeDee Lamb in an offense hungry for a legitimate second option. Despite needs at the position, the Cowboys passed on signing a top-tier receiver in free agency and stayed quiet in the draft. Jerry Jones warned that the “train hadn’t left the station” in terms of adding help. That train has now arrived—with Pickens onboard.
A Talented but Tumultuous Run in Pittsburgh
Pickens showed flashes of greatness in Pittsburgh but never found steady footing. Drafted 52nd overall in 2022 due to injury concerns and off-field questions, he delivered 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over three seasons. His 18.1 yards per catch in 2023 led the NFL.
But inconsistency, injury setbacks, and frequent quarterback changes hampered his development. Add in some sideline frustrations and social media controversies, and his time in Pittsburgh was marked by both promise and tension.
This will be the first time in Pickens’ career that he’ll catch passes from a proven franchise quarterback. Dak Prescott brings leadership, precision, and consistency—qualities that could unlock the best version of Pickens. He’ll immediately step in as Dallas’ WR2, pushing Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, and KaVontae Turpin further down the depth chart.
Steelers Continue Their Offensive Rebuild
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is undergoing a full-scale offensive renovation. With Russell Wilson and Najee Harris gone, and DK Metcalf now in the fold, the Steelers are reshuffling their identity. Pickens’ departure clears the path for Metcalf to be the alpha receiver, with veterans Robert Woods and Calvin Austin III expected to play key supporting roles.
Third-round pick Roman Wilson may be the x-factor—if he can stay healthy after missing nearly all of his rookie year.
A Prove-It Year for Pickens
With one year left on his rookie contract and $3.65 million due in 2025, this is a make-or-break campaign for Pickens. He has all the tools—size, speed, catch radius—to be a game-changer. Now, in a stable environment with a clear role and a top-tier quarterback, it’s time to see if he can put it all together.
Big Risk, Big Reward for Dallas
The Cowboys are betting that a change of scenery is just what Pickens needs. If he clicks with Prescott and matures into a reliable weapon opposite Lamb, this trade could become one of the offseason’s biggest steals.
Cowboys fans have been waiting for a spark. Now they’ve got one—and it could ignite something special in Dallas.
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