In a calculated post-draft move aimed at bolstering their offense, the Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he wasn’t their original target.
According to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz, the Cowboys initially pursued Baltimore Ravens wideout Rashod Bateman in a bid to provide quarterback Dak Prescott with another reliable weapon.
Dallas showed some urgency this offseason after questions lingered about their offensive depth. Their failure to make significant offensive additions during the draft only heightened the need to find a proven receiver to line up opposite All-Pro CeeDee Lamb.
“During their pursuit of a receiver, the #Cowboys also looked into a trade for #Ravens WR Rashod Bateman,” Schultz tweeted. “Those talks didn’t go far, and Dallas ultimately struck a post-draft deal with the #Steelers for George Pickens.” He added: “Dallas’ search for another receiver was a months-long process.”
Pickens joins Dallas in high-stakes deal
After the Bateman talks reportedly fizzled, the Cowboys turned their attention to Pittsburgh and landed Pickens in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. In return, Dallas also received a 2027 sixth-rounder from the Steelers. It marked a rare swing from a front office that has been hesitant to part with future assets in recent seasons.
Pickens arrives in Dallas with significant upside. Known for his athleticism and contested-catch ability, Pickens is expected to complement Lamb and give Prescott a much-needed vertical threat.
His breakout performances with the Steelers, including multiple highlight-reel catches, had made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, even as his consistency and maturity were still considered areas for development.
But the Cowboys originally had eyes on Bateman-a move that could have reunited Prescott with a receiver more polished in route-running and possession skills.
Bateman had a career-best 2024 season in Baltimore, finishing second on the team in receiving yards with 756 and scoring nine touchdowns, a dramatic leap from his prior output. He also contributed in the playoffs, adding two more scores and proving his value as a red-zone weapon.
Drafted 27th overall in 2021 by the Ravens, Bateman has shown glimpses of star potential but has also battled injuries, including a lost 2022 campaign. Still, with 138 receptions, nearly 2,000 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns through four seasons, he remains a reliable target.
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