Cowboys Land George Pickens In An Early Morning Trade Agreement

During the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Dallas Cowboys approved a trade for an AFC North wide receiver to help bolster its passing game.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys are finalizing a deal to trade its 2026 third-round pick and conduct late round 2027 pick swaps with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the rights of wide receiver George Pickens. The transaction officially concludes the rampant offseason trade rumors surrounding the former Georgia Bulldog standout who was eligible for a contract extension.

In February, Steelers general manager Omar Khan voiced a desire for the organization to extend its former second-round pick as he entered the final season of his rookie deal. Its trade for former Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf a month later foreshadowed an inevitable departure between Pickens and Pittsburgh.

How The Dallas Cowboys Plan To Use George Pickens

Pickens is expected to be slotted as the Cowboys number two receiver opposite All-Pro wide out CeeDee Lamb. Lamb had his third consecutive 100-plus reception season in 2024 going for 1194 yards on 101 receptions with eight touchdown catches.

While the former 2020 first-round pick’s prior season was good enough to receive second-team All-Pro honors, his closest level of teammate receiving production was just 59 receptions from tight end Jake Ferguson and 641 receiving yards by fellow receiver Jalen Tolbert.

George Pickens Career

During Pickens’ three-year NFL career, he’s had three consecutive seasons with at least 800 receiving yards. 2023 was his best NFL season as he registered career highs in receptions (63), receiving yards (1140), yards per reception (18.1) and receiving touchdowns (5).

Dallas hasn’t had a player achieve at least 800 receiving yards opposite CeeDee Lamb since 2021. With their latest offseason addition, its offensive misfortunes could truly change for the better if a healthy Dak Prescott is under center.