The Dallas Cowboys made one of the most notable trades of the 2025 NFL season when they acquired talented wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, according to recent reports, the team nearly went in a different direction with a deal considered far less appealing, leaving fans stunned.
The Near-Deal with Rashod Bateman
According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, before finalizing the trade for George Pickens with the Steelers, the Cowboys were in discussions with the Baltimore Ravens about acquiring wide receiver Rashod Bateman. Bateman, 25, is coming off his best season in 2024 but is still widely regarded as a less impactful player compared to Pickens.
Bateman, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has recorded 1,167 yards and 4 touchdowns over four seasons. In contrast, Pickens, in just three seasons, has amassed 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier deep threats. The gap in production and explosiveness between the two players is stark. Had the Cowboys opted for Bateman, they might have missed out on forming one of the NFL’s most formidable wide receiver duos by pairing Pickens with star CeeDee Lamb.
The Pickens Trade: A Game-Changer for the Cowboys’ Offense
Instead of settling for a less exciting deal, the Cowboys swiftly pivoted and struck a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the trade, Dallas sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This is widely seen as a reasonable price for a player with Pickens’ game-changing potential.
At 24 years old, Pickens stands at 6-foot-3, weighs 200 pounds, and excels at running routes. He is the only wide receiver in the NFL to average at least 16 yards per catch and surpass 2,000 yards over the last three seasons, according to ESPN Research. In Dallas, he will team up with CeeDee Lamb, one of the league’s top wide receivers, forming a duo capable of giving opposing defenses nightmares.
In his first press conference with the Dallas media, Pickens expressed excitement about working with Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. “I feel like, scheme-wise, teams won’t be able to double both of us at the same time. That’s going to be a huge advantage for me and Lamb,” Pickens said. He also emphasized his desire to contribute to building a winning culture in Dallas, a team that consistently sets high goals each season.
Why Did the Cowboys Change Course?
The decision to abandon the Bateman deal and pursue Pickens reflects the strategic vision of the Cowboys’ front office, particularly owner Jerry Jones. Earlier, Jones had hinted that the team was considering two “significant deals” before and after the 2025 NFL Draft. Many expected the Cowboys to pursue a trade similar to their previous acquisitions, such as Brandin Cooks or Jonathan Mingo, which failed to make a significant impact. However, Pickens is a player of a different caliber, with the ability to deliver the explosiveness the Cowboys have lacked at the wide receiver position alongside Lamb.
Another factor that likely influenced the Cowboys’ shift was the competitive landscape in the NFC East. With rivals like the Washington Commanders actively improving their rosters, the Cowboys recognized the need for a more potent offensive weapon to maintain their edge. Pickens, with his dynamic playmaking and ideal physical traits, is the perfect answer to that need.
Risks and Expectations
While the Pickens trade holds immense promise, it is not without risks. Pickens has been involved in some controversies in Pittsburgh, including on-field emotional outbursts and off-field disputes. Some NFL teams reportedly “laughed off” the idea of trading for him before the Cowboys stepped in, according to Sporting News. However, in Dallas, Pickens will have the opportunity to thrive in an offensive system led by Dak Prescott and under the guidance of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who replaced Mike McCarthy after the 2024 season.
Pickens is currently in the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become a free agent in 2026. The Cowboys appear to have no immediate plans to extend his contract this season, but if Pickens proves his worth, he could become a cornerstone of the team’s long-term plans.
Conclusion
The Cowboys’ near-miss with a less enticing trade for Rashod Bateman before pivoting to George Pickens is a dramatic tale that highlights the front office’s sharpness. With Pickens, the Cowboys have not only added an exceptional talent but also created a wide receiver duo that could reshape their offense in the 2025 season. Cowboys fans now have reason to be optimistic, but they will closely watch whether Pickens can seize this opportunity to become a true star in Dallas.