Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys have become the focal point of heated discussions as they were reportedly in talks to acquire Pittsburgh Steelers’ star wide receiver George Pickens. Although the trade has not materialized, its buzz continues to captivate NFL experts, especially after the Cowboys’ challenging 2024 season. Let’s dive into why this rumor is still generating excitement and the potential implications for both the Cowboys and the Steelers.
Background: Cowboys’ Quest to Bolster Their Offense
Following a disappointing 2024 season with a 7-10 record, ending their streak of three consecutive playoff appearances, the Dallas Cowboys are under pressure to revamp their roster, particularly at the wide receiver position. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb, drafted 17th overall in 2020, has established himself as one of the NFL’s elite, but the team lacks a reliable second option to complement Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Failing to draft a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft further fueled fan frustration, amplifying rumors of a blockbuster trade.
According to Bleacher Report, analyst Alex Kay suggested that the Cowboys need to urgently strengthen their receiving corps if they hope to start strong under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and return to the playoffs. In this context, George Pickens—a young, talented, yet controversial receiver from the Steelers—emerged as an ideal target. Kay even proposed that Pittsburgh should consider trading Pickens before the new season, with Dallas being the most logical destination.
George Pickens: Talent and Risk
At 24 years old, George Pickens is entering the final year of his $6.75 million rookie contract with the Steelers. He has made his mark with 174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 12 touchdowns over his first three NFL seasons. Notably, Pickens exploded in 2023 with 1,140 yards and led the league in yards per reception (18.1). Standing at 6’3 with exceptional contested-catch ability, Pickens is seen as the perfect complement to Lamb, potentially forming a formidable duo in Dallas’ offense.
However, Pickens is not without flaws. He has been fined by the NFL 10 times over three seasons for infractions such as taunting, obscene gestures, and even writing an inappropriate message on his eye black during a 2024 game against the Cowboys. His attitude and disciplinary issues have led some experts to warn that bringing him to Dallas could be a “disaster” for the team’s locker room culture. A Heavy.com article emphasized that while the Cowboys need another receiver, they don’t need a “diva” like Pickens.
Steelers: Ready to Part Ways with Pickens?
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens’ future is uncertain following their acquisition of DK Metcalf, a top-tier receiver from the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf’s arrival, combined with the Steelers’ rumored pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, has led some to speculate that Pickens could become expendable in head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan’s plans. Sources, such as an SBNation article, even suggested that the Steelers might not retain Pickens for the upcoming season, especially as his rookie contract nears its end.
That said, recent reports indicate the Steelers are inclined to keep Pickens, at least in the short term. According to ESPN, Pickens considered requesting a trade but ultimately decided to stay in Pittsburgh. GM Omar Khan has publicly expressed satisfaction with the Pickens-Metcalf duo, emphasizing that both will be cornerstones for the 2025 season. However, if Pickens has a standout season and later signs a big contract elsewhere, the Steelers could receive a compensatory third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, making his retention a strategic gamble.
Reactions from Fans and Experts
The Pickens trade rumor has ignited social media, particularly on X, where some posts claimed the deal was “leaked” and that Pickens was on the verge of joining the Cowboys. These posts even detailed potential trade terms, such as the Cowboys sending a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh. However, these claims lack confirmation from credible sources and should be approached with caution.
Meanwhile, NFL experts remain divided on the trade’s feasibility. Dianna Russini of The Athletic confirmed that the Cowboys discussed Pickens with the Steelers before and during the 2025 NFL Draft, but those talks have “cooled off” since the draft concluded. Some, like Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, have outright denied that any serious negotiations took place. Nevertheless, given the Cowboys’ urgent needs and Pickens’ uncertain status in Pittsburgh, the possibility of the trade being revisited cannot be ruled out.
Potential Implications and Outlook
If the Pickens trade comes to fruition, the Cowboys would boast one of the NFL’s most formidable receiver tandems, with Lamb and Pickens complementing each other in skill and style. This could help Dak Prescott regain his form and propel Dallas back into playoff contention. However, the cost of acquiring Pickens—both in draft capital and the risk of his behavioral issues—requires careful consideration from the Cowboys’ front office, especially given their historical reluctance to spend heavily on contract extensions.
Conversely, if the Steelers opt to keep Pickens, they must address internal tensions and ensure he is content with his role alongside Metcalf. A successful season from Pickens could boost his market value, but it also risks the Steelers losing him for nothing if they fail to extend his contract in time.
Conclusion
While the George Pickens-to-Dallas Cowboys trade remains a rumor, its impact continues to reverberate across the NFL. With the Cowboys’ pressing needs and the complexities surrounding Pickens’ situation in Pittsburgh, this saga is likely to persist in the coming months, especially as the 2025 season approaches. Will Pickens don the Cowboys’ star, or will the Steelers find a way to retain their young talent? Only time will tell.