The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move by acquiring wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade finalized on May 7, 2025. The deal includes Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick heading to Dallas, while Pittsburgh receives a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick .
Pickens, 24, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has shown promise with consistent performances. In the 2024 season, he recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns across 14 games. Over his three-year career, he has accumulated 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns .
The Steelers’ decision to trade Pickens comes amid internal concerns regarding his behavior, including tardiness and unsportsmanlike conduct, which led to unsportsmanlike penalties. Head coach Mike Tomlin had previously urged Pickens to mature, and the acquisition of DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in March 2025 provided the team with a proven alternative at the wide receiver position.
For the Cowboys, this trade addresses the need for a strong No. 2 receiver to complement star wideout CeeDee Lamb. With quarterback Dak Prescott expected to be healthy and under the guidance of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys aim to bolster their offense for a playoff push
Analysts have praised the Cowboys for their proactive approach in seeking to improve their roster, especially as the postseason approaches. Former NFL player Boomer Esiason commented, “The Cowboys get a young, talented receiver who can contribute right away, while the Steelers can reallocate their resources and focus on building for the future” .
Steelers fans have expressed mixed emotions regarding the departure of Pickens. While some are disappointed by the loss of a promising talent, others believe the trade provides valuable assets for the team’s future. Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with Pickens but emphasized the importance of looking toward the future, stating, “We appreciate everything George brought to our team, but in order to build a championship-caliber squad, we must make tough decisions”
This trade marks a significant shift for both franchises, with the Cowboys aiming to strengthen their offense for immediate success and the Steelers focusing on long-term developmen
