• The Cowboys traded for George Pickens to bolster their receiving corps alongside CeeDee Lamb, sending a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round pick.
• Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract and reportedly wants to prove himself as a top receiver before discussing an extension.
• The Steelers' acquisition of DK Metcalf and uncertainty surrounding quarterback Aaron Rodgers' future contributed to the decision to trade Pickens.

The Dallas Cowboys addressed their need for a No. 2 wide receiver by trading for George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, while the Cowboys also obtained a 2026 sixth-round pick in the deal. Pickens, a 24-year-old entering the final year of his rookie contract, is expected to complement CeeDee Lamb in the Cowboys' offense. The trade also comes as Pickens' role as the Steelers' top wide receiver appeared to be supplanted after Pittsburgh traded for DK Metcalf in March. This move also comes as the Steelers await an answer from quarterback Aaron Rodgers about whether he will play in 2025.

• What: The Dallas Cowboys traded for wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Who: George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, CeeDee Lamb, Jourdan Lewis, DK Metcalf
• When: Trade agreed to on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
• Where: Dallas Cowboys (new team), Pittsburgh Steelers (former team).

The acquisition of George Pickens addresses a significant need for the Cowboys, providing Dak Prescott with another viable target alongside CeeDee Lamb. Pickens' desire to prove himself before seeking a contract extension could lead to a highly productive season. For the Steelers, trading Pickens represents a shift in their receiving corps, potentially driven by the acquisition of DK Metcalf and the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future. The move also frees up cap space and allows them to address other needs. Pickens' past on-field incidents are a concern that the Cowboys will need to manage.

"He's just got to grow up, man... He's got to grow up in a hurry."

"Confirmation, God wanted me in Jacksonville."

"George is a very talented player who has room to grow... And we'd like to see him grow, and hopefully he realizes the potential that he has, but there's definitely room for growth there."

The acquisition of George Pickens by the Dallas Cowboys marks a pivotal moment for both the team and the player [i]. For Dallas, Pickens provides a significant upgrade to their receiving corps, offering Dak Prescott a dynamic WR2 to complement CeeDee Lamb and alleviate defensive pressure on the star receiver. Pickens' proven ability as a deep-play threat and his physicality bring a new dimension to the Cowboys' offense, potentially unlocking a more balanced and explosive attack under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. However, Pickens enters the final year of his rookie contract, adding an element of uncertainty. His performance in 2025 will not only determine his value to the Cowboys but also influence his future earnings, as he aims to prove himself worthy of a lucrative long-term extension. Meanwhile, the Steelers face the challenge of reshaping their receiving corps after Pickens' departure. While the team has already acquired DK Metcalf, the absence of Pickens leaves a void in their offense, requiring them to explore free-agent options or rely on young receivers like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson to step up. The Steelers' decision to trade Pickens also signals a potential shift in their long-term plans at quarterback, as they stockpile draft picks and evaluate their options for the future. Ultimately, the success of this trade hinges on Pickens' ability to thrive in Dallas and the Steelers' capacity to effectively address the resulting void in their receiving options as they prepare for potential changes at the quarterback position.