Home SPORTS George Pickens Traded to Cowboys in Blockbuster Deal

George Pickens Traded to Cowboys in Blockbuster Deal

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The Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade involving multiple draft picks, bolstering their receiving corps.



The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Steelers will also send their 2027 sixth-round pick to Dallas as part of the deal.


George Pickens, 24, was the Steelers' leading receiver over the past two seasons, racking up 1,140 yards in 2023 and 900 yards in 2024 despite missing three games due to a hamstring injury. The second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft had a tumultuous tenure with the Steelers, marked by on-field incidents and off-field controversies that led to fines.




The trade comes after the Steelers acquired Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf earlier this offseason, indicating a shift in their strategy. With Pickens' departure, the Steelers will have a $522,669 dead cap hit. The team will likely look to draft a new wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft.


Pickens' addition to the Cowboys is expected to boost quarterback Dak Prescott's performance, pairing him with four-time Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb. The move demonstrates the Cowboys' efforts to strengthen their receiving corps.


Contract Implications

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted at significant trades around the 2025 NFL Draft. The George Pickens acquisition aligns with his statement, potentially setting up key roster moves.


With Pickens joining CeeDee Lamb, quarterback Dak Prescott gains an elite deep threat. Pickens had 12 catches of 30+ yards in 2024, a notable achievement. As Pickens enters the final year of his rookie contract, contract negotiations with the Cowboys are imminent, coinciding with talks for Micah Parsons, who shares the same agent, David Mulugheta.


Coach's Criticism

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had publicly criticized George Pickens, particularly after the wide receiver's behavior in a December 2024 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.


“He's just got to grow up, man,” Tomlin said. “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.” Tomlin's comments highlighted concerns about Pickens' maturity and on-field conduct.


Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and agent David Mulugheta have had a strained relationship during Micah Parsons' contract negotiations. Jones downplayed Mulugheta's influence, saying, “He's not a concern... I don't know his name.”


However, Parsons strongly defended his agent, stating, “David is the best and I will not be doing any deal without David Mulugheta involved!” The tension between Jones and Mulugheta may impact upcoming negotiations, including those for George Pickens, who shares the same agent.


George Pickens was often in the spotlight during his time in Pittsburgh. In October 2023, he sparked attention after posting “Free Me” on social media following a 1-yard performance against the Tennessee Titans.


Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson defended Pickens, saying, “He wants to be significant. He wants to be a reason why we are successful... Man, y'all don't begrudge that. I want guys that want the football. I want guys who want to be central reasons of why we are successful. So, that's a non-issue, to be quite honest with you.”




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