FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move to bolster their receiving corps by acquiring George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This trade, which sends a 2026 third-round pick along with a conditional 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh while Dallas receives a 2027 sixth-round pick in return, adds a promising talent opposite Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones had been vocal about the team’s pursuit of a solid No. 2 wide receiver leading up to this deal, indicating that they were working on “substantive trades.” Three weeks ago, Jones mentioned the possibility of notable trades before or after the NFL draft, showcasing the front office’s proactive approach to filling roster gaps.
Earlier in the draft process, there was hope that Tetairoa McMillan might be available for the Cowboys’ first-round selection at No. 12. However, the Panthers snagged McMillan at No. 8, leaving Dallas to navigate the remaining rounds without adding a wide receiver despite a clear need.
Pickens, a second-round draft choice from 2022, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Steelers general manager Omar Khan had previously indicated intentions to work out a deal with Pickens during the offseason, making this shift a notable turn of events. With the recent addition of DK Metcalf to the Steelers’ lineup, Pickens’ standing in Pittsburgh shifted significantly, prompting the team to explore other options.
With Dak Prescott returning to the field after missing the latter part of the last season due to a hamstring tear, the Cowboys now boast a dynamic receiving duo in Lamb and Pickens, reminiscent of the successful pairing with Amari Cooper from 2020-21. This potent combination is expected to create mismatches for opposing defenses, amplifying Dallas’s offensive potential.
During the offseason, the Cowboys consistently expressed interest in securing a strong No. 2 wideout, engaging with several teams before zeroing in on Pickens. Known for his impressive statistics, Pickens had 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns last season, consistently putting up numbers that highlight his ability as a reliable target.
However, Pickens also faced challenges, including missing three games last season due to a hamstring injury. His on-field behavior raised eyebrows; he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct multiple times, including a notable incident during a crucial divisional matchup against the Bengals—highlighting a need for maturity in his game as noted by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin emphasized in both midseason and end-of-season remarks that while Pickens demonstrated growth, there is still significant room for development. This opportunity in Dallas could serve as a pivotal moment for Pickens to mature both on and off the field, aligning with the Cowboys’ vision of elevating their aerial attack as they aim for success in the upcoming season. “He’s just got to grow up, man,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said after the win over the Bengals. “This is an emotional game, man. These divisional games are big. He’s got a target on his back because he’s George; he understands that. But he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.”
In terms of the Cowboys’ recent trades, they previously acquired Jonathan Mingo from the Panthers who, while he didn’t play with Prescott, showcased some potential during his limited appearances. Meanwhile, Jalen Tolbert, another third-round pick from the 2022 draft, set career-high marks last season with 49 receptions, 610 yards, and seven touchdowns, indicating that the Cowboys are strategically developing options in their receiving lineup.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season with new additions and returning stars, this trade for Pickens is a move that fans will be watching closely. Dallas is shaping up to have one of the most formidable receiving groups in recent memory, and the synergy between Prescott’s strong leadership and the skills of his wideouts could redefine their offensive strategy.
