The Cowboys received wide receiver George Pickens in the trade policy. The move, completed in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick, has big implications as it comes with Pickens set to play out the final year of his rookie deal. This signing puts him as the 2nd receiver alongside Pro Bowl receiver CeeDee Lamb. It’s a blatant criticism of the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
Pickens, the Steelers second-round draft choice in 2022, has flashed incredible potential since Suisham struck him as a rookie. He had 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns a year ago. His tenure with Pittsburgh was not without controversy. Pickens was already under a microscope after being penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct during a Week 13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His aggressive style came through yet again. This time, it was during a furious last-minute melee with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II while throwing a Hail Mary.
Along with these blunders, Pickens missed three games in the 2024 season with a hamstring strain. He had adversity, but he put up jaw-dropping numbers. During his time in Pittsburgh, he posted 50+ catches, 800+ yards and three touchdowns at a minimum during each of his three seasons. His storybook role as the team’s top wide receiver was dealt a killer blow. After the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf in March, it turned the tide completely.
The decision to trade Pickens comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Pittsburgh’s playoff prospects and their pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky echoed that sentiment, saying shipping away Pickens would have an enormously detrimental effect on the Steelers’ chances of succeeding this year.
As Pickens moves forward to the Cowboys, we invite him to take up a different sort of challenge. Unlike other former players turned politicians, he knows he has a “target on his back” due to his all-star reputation on the field. He certainly knows what comes with that title.
Cowboys head coach Mike Tomlin commented on Pickens’ development, emphasizing the need for maturity:
“He’s just got to grow up, man.” – Mike Tomlin
Tomlin acknowledged that there is “certainly obviously more room for growth there,” signaling that while Pickens has shown potential, further development is necessary for him to reach his full capabilities.
With this acquisition, the Cowboys are poised to have their best wide receiver duo since CeeDee Lamb played alongside Amari Cooper from 2020 to 2021. This new partnership will certainly improve the Cowboys offensively as they attempt to get back on track and make a deep playoff run.
Moreover, the Steelers had been trying to trade Pickens since the offseason. They had discussions with dozens of clubs about possible trades. So much so that they ended up trading away their star wide receiver. This decision illustrates both a bold and pragmatic strategic pivot towards their ongoing approach to advocacy.
George Pickens is opening an intriguing new chapter with the Cowboys. He intends to maximize his talent, all the while facing his own demons in a very mature and honest manner. His performance will be closely monitored as he integrates into a high-powered offense that seeks to reclaim its dominance in the league.
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