George Pickens wasn’t the top pick for the Dallas Cowboys. Brian Schottenheimer and his team apparently explored the option of acquiring a 25-year-old wide receiver from the Baltimore Ravens, but negotiations didn’t progress much. This news surfaced shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Pickens for several future draft selections.
The Cowboys had shown interest in a Ravens’ standout before selecting George Pickens (File/AP). While Pickens is now set to join forces with CeeDee Lamb in Dallas, Fox Sports journalist Jordan Schultz reported that the Cowboys reached out to the Ravens to discuss the possibility of acquiring Rashod Bateman. However, according to Schultz, those discussions “didn’t advance much.”
Ultimately, Dallas opted to exchange a 2026 third-round and a 2027 fifth-round pick for Pickens, along with a 2027 seventh-round pick. The Pittsburgh standout is coming off a 900-yard season with 59 catches. Over three seasons, he has recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns, surpassing Bateman’s numbers—138 receptions for 1,923 yards and 13 touchdowns over four seasons. The Baltimore receiver is contracted for another two seasons.
After the transfer was confirmed, Pickens expressed through the Cowboys’ official site that he does not plan to play second to CeeDee Lamb. “This is the first I’ve heard of any 1A and 1B talk. I think having two capable receivers is standard. Growing up watching football, there was always a star receiver with another strong receiver beside him. I just believe we’ll complement each other well,” he stated.
Lamb, known as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the league, wrapped up the 2024 season with 15 games before a shoulder injury cut his season short. He amassed 101 receptions on 152 targets, gaining 1,194 receiving yards with an average of 11.8 yards per catch and scored six touchdowns.
Additionally, Lamb contributed on the ground with 13 rushes for 109 yards and one touchdown. His PPR fantasy score was 162.4. Pro Football Focus rated him at 77.3 overall (26th among 98 wide receivers), with a 79.9 receiving score (21st) and a 56.3 rushing score (8th among 10).
