The Dallas Cowboys had an impressive 2025 NFL Draft, opting for a strategy that prioritized selecting the best players available. They picked several Day 2 and Day 3 prospects who are expected to make significant contributions in their debut season.

However, the team’s glaring need for a wide receiver was not addressed with any of their nine selections. Before the Draft, Jerry Jones mentioned that the team was exploring two “significant” trades, which many believed would target positions like wide receiver.

When rumors surfaced that the Pittsburgh Steelers were open to offers for their standout receiver George Pickens, speculation began around whether the Cowboys might consider trading a major draft pick to acquire the fourth-year receiver who is looking for a new contract.

The Cowboys reportedly engaged in talks with an AFC North team about acquiring a veteran wide receiver. ESPN’s insider Todd Archer has added more intrigue by reporting that the Cowboys held discussions with an unnamed AFC North team regarding a potential trade, though nothing materialized. While the team wasn’t named, it seems likely the report refers to Pickens.

Other options like the Baltimore Ravens’ Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace or the Cincinnati Bengals’ Andrei Iosiavas could be possibilities, but no reports have indicated they are available. In his first three seasons, Pickens has averaged 947 receiving yards annually and has become known for his deep-threat capabilities.

He led the league in yards per catch in 2023 with 18.1. Although criticized for not yet developing into a complete WR1, he excels in contested catches and could serve as an excellent WR2, which is likely how Pittsburgh views him behind D.K. Metcalf.

Could a deal for George Pickens still materialize? Unfortunately for the Cowboys, now that the Draft has passed, securing a trade would be quite complex. The front office could offer substantial draft capital for next year’s Draft, but the Steelers might not be keen to trade Pickens for a future return. Additionally, it’s uncertain whether Dallas would be inclined to extend Pickens’ contract a year from now. What remains clear is that the Cowboys urgently need to strengthen their wide receiver group.