In a surprising move that is sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The trade, per the NFL’s Ian Rappoport, addresses a pressing need for Dallas while signaling a shift in Pittsburgh’s offensive strategy for the 2025 season.
Pickens, a 2022 second-round pick out of Georgia, has been a standout for the Steelers, amassing 1,140 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024, per ESPN. His combination of size, speed, and contested-catch ability made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, but trade rumors had swirled since the Steelers signed DK Metcalf to a massive five-year, $150 million extension earlier this year. With Pickens entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Steelers opted to move him, it is expected that the Steelers will receive a 2026 third-round pick from Dallas and a late-round pick swap.
For the Cowboys, this trade fills a glaring hole at wide receiver. Despite CeeDee Lamb’s elite production, Dallas lacked a consistent No. 2 option, with Jalen Tolbert struggling to step up and Jonathan Mingo having a low production year. Pickens now gives Dak Prescott another big target who can stretch the field and win one-on-one matchups. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh appears to be doubling down on Metcalf as their WR1, but the question still remains about their starting quarterback and if there is a potential that Aaron Rodgers could be joining their quarterback room.
This trade reshapes both teams’ offenses, setting the stage for a new look for both teams as Pickens dons the Cowboys’ star and the Steelers pivot to a new chapter.
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