The Dallas Cowboys have strengthened their offensive firepower with a major trade, acquiring wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a deal finalized Wednesday morning. Along with Pickens, the Cowboys will receive a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, while the Steelers receive a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return.
Pickens, 24, has spent his first three seasons with Pittsburgh, establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker despite battling inconsistent quarterback play. After Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers last offseason, Pickens stepped into the WR1 role, recording 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 103 targets over 14 games in 2024. His most productive season came in 2023, when he led the NFL in yards per reception (18.1) and amassed 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
However, the Steelers have struggled to find stability under center since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2021. Pickens has caught passes from Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph-none of whom have provided sustained production for Pittsburgh’s offense.
A long list of departures
His departure adds to a growing list of high-profile wide receivers who have left the Steelers in recent years, including Martavis Bryant, Antonio Brown, Chase Claypool, and Diontae Johnson. While Pickens showcased flashes of brilliance, his exit further highlights Pittsburgh’s recent struggles to maintain a dominant receiving corps.
For the Cowboys, Pickens offers an exciting deep-threat option alongside CeeDee Lamb. With quarterback Dak Prescott entering a crucial year, the addition of Pickens should help stretch the field and provide another reliable target in Dallas’ passing game. However, Pickens is entering the final season of his rookie contract, meaning the Cowboys may need to negotiate a long-term extension to keep him beyond 2025.
The Steelers, meanwhile, will need to address their wide receiver depth. With DK Metcalf expected to headline their passing attack, Pittsburgh may explore additional options before the season kicks off.
This trade signals that Dallas is making aggressive moves to contend for the Super Bowl, while Pittsburgh continues to shape its future offense. The impact of Pickens’ arrival in Dallas-and his absence in Pittsburgh-will be closely watched as the 2025 season unfolds.
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