- The Dallas Cowboys are in advanced talks to trade for Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.
- Draft pick compensation, including a third-round pick, will reportedly go to Pittsburgh.
- Pickens has been a key player for the Steelers but faced off-field tensions.
- The trade will address Dallas’s need for a strong partner for CeeDee Lamb.
- The deal is expected to be finalized today, per ESPN reports.
Dallas Cowboys in Advanced Talks for George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire wide receiver George Pickens. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is expected to involve draft pick compensation, including a third-round pick and a late-round pick swap. This development comes as the Cowboys aim to bolster their receiving corps ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
George Pickens’s Journey with the Steelers
George Pickens, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia, has been a significant contributor to the Steelers’ offense over the past three seasons. During his tenure with Pittsburgh, Pickens recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns across 48 games. In the 2024 season, he started 12 games, tallying 59 receptions on 103 targets and scoring three touchdowns.
Despite his on-field performance, Pickens’s time with the Steelers has been marked by off-field tensions. Speculation about his future with the team intensified after he unfollowed the Steelers on social media, signaling potential dissatisfaction. The trade rumors gained further traction following the team’s decision not to extend his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season.
What the Trade Means for the Cowboys
The acquisition of George Pickens addresses a pressing need for the Dallas Cowboys. The team has been searching for a reliable partner to complement star receiver CeeDee Lamb in the passing game. Pickens’s addition is expected to add a new dimension to the Cowboys’ offense, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with another dynamic target.
However, the trade also brings contractual considerations for Dallas. With Pickens in the final year of his rookie deal, the Cowboys will need to negotiate a new contract to secure his services long-term. This comes at a time when the team is also working on an extension for linebacker Micah Parsons, making salary cap management a critical factor.
Steelers’ Perspective on the Trade
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the trade represents an opportunity to gain draft capital as they continue to reshape their roster. The team has been focused on building for the future, and the compensation from the Cowboys will provide additional resources for the upcoming NFL Draft.
While losing a player of Pickens’s caliber is a setback, the Steelers appear committed to moving forward with their current receiving corps and any potential additions through the draft or free agency. The decision to part ways with Pickens also alleviates the off-field tensions that have overshadowed his tenure in Pittsburgh.
Looking Ahead
As the trade nears completion, both teams are preparing for the next steps. For the Cowboys, integrating Pickens into their offensive scheme will be a top priority during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Steelers will focus on utilizing their newly acquired draft picks to strengthen their roster.
This trade marks a significant moment for both franchises, with implications that could shape their trajectories in the 2025 season and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the details of the deal unfold and its impact becomes clear.
Source: ESPN, KDKA, 105.3 The Fan