NFL Rumors: Cowboys Talked to Steelers About George Pickens Trade

Dallas, Texas, April 30, 2025 – The Dallas Cowboys, in search of a dynamic complement to star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, reportedly engaged in trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers regarding talented but polarizing wideout George Pickens ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to multiple sources, including a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Cowboys were among several teams that inquired about the 24-year-old receiver, whose name surfaced in trade talks before and during the draft. While no deal materialized, the buzz surrounding Pickens has sparked intense speculation about the Cowboys’ plans to bolster their receiving corps and the Steelers’ intentions with their contract-year star, leaving fans and analysts debating the potential impact of such a move.

Trade Talks That Didn’t Cross the Goal Line

The Cowboys entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a glaring need at wide receiver, having lost Brandin Cooks to free agency and relying heavily on Lamb, who led the team with 1,384 receiving yards in 2024. Despite holding nine draft picks, Dallas passed on selecting a receiver, a decision that surprised many given the depth of the 2025 class, which included talents like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Texas’ Matthew Golden. Instead, the Cowboys focused on offensive line and defense, selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker in the first round and adding pass-catchers like Louisville’s Ja’Corey Brooks as undrafted free agents.

According to Russini, the Cowboys explored a trade for Pickens as a veteran alternative, holding discussions with the Steelers before and during the draft. “George Pickens’ name was tossed around in trade discussions this past week. The Cowboys were one of the teams that discussed bringing in the Steelers’ wideout, sources tell me,” Russini reported on X. However, the talks fizzled, with Russini noting that the trade buzz around Pickens is expected to “cool” post-draft as teams finalize their rosters. ESPN’s Todd Archer corroborated the report, stating that Dallas had conversations with an AFC North team about a veteran receiver, with Pickens as the likely target given the lack of other prominent trade candidates in the division.

The Steelers, who traded a second-round pick to acquire DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, were reportedly open to moving Pickens to recoup draft capital, potentially a second- or third-round pick. Sources suggest Pittsburgh sought at least a second-rounder, a price that may have deterred Dallas, especially considering Pickens’ maturity concerns and impending contract demands.

Why Pickens? The Cowboys’ Receiver Dilemma

The Cowboys’ interest in Pickens stems from their urgent need for a reliable No. 2 receiver to alleviate pressure on Lamb, who faced double-teams throughout 2024. The current wide receiver room—featuring Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and Parris Campbell—lacks a proven complement, with Tolbert’s 610 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 as the group’s high mark. Owner Jerry Jones hinted at ongoing efforts to upgrade the position, stating, “The train has not left the station if improvement is needed from what we’ve got on campus.”

Pickens, a 2022 second-round pick out of Georgia, offers tantalizing potential. With 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over three seasons, including a league-leading 18.1 yards per reception in 2023, he possesses the size (6’3”), speed, and acrobatic catch ability to be a No. 1 receiver on many teams. His 16.3 yards per catch since 2022 ranks second among players with at least 100 receptions, trailing only Tyreek Hill. A pairing with Lamb could create a formidable duo for quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw for 4,260 yards in 2024 but struggled with inconsistent targets beyond Lamb.

However, Pickens’ “baggage” gave Dallas pause. Known for maturity issues, including sideline outbursts and limited snaps due to lack of effort, Pickens has drawn scrutiny for his volatile behavior. In a 2024 loss to the Cowboys, he played just 59% of snaps, threw his helmet in frustration, and later attributed his actions to fan disappointment. His social media activity, such as unfollowing the Steelers and posting a cryptic photo with Tom Brady, fueled trade speculation, with some interpreting it as dissatisfaction with Pittsburgh.

Steelers’ Perspective: Pickens’ Uncertain Future

The Steelers’ openness to trading Pickens reflects a strategic shift following their acquisition of Metcalf, who signed a five-year, $132 million extension upon arrival. With Metcalf as the centerpiece of their receiving corps, Pittsburgh views Pickens, in the final year of his rookie deal with a $3.66 million salary, as potentially expendable. ESPN’s Adam Schefter listed Pickens among players who “could be deemed expendable” pre-draft, and The Athletic reported that the Steelers were taking calls, hoping to secure a Day 2 pick after trading their second-rounder for Metcalf.

General manager Omar Khan downplayed trade rumors before the draft, stating, “We’re glad we have George and DK here. I think they’re gonna be exciting for everyone to watch.” However, Pickens’ behavioral concerns and the financial challenge of extending both him and Metcalf—Spotrac projects Pickens’ next contract at four years, $94 million—have cast doubt on his long-term fit. Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the duo’s complementary skills, noting, “DK is a big man, GP is tall. They’re different people,” but acknowledged the pairing’s sustainability is “not straightforward.”

Pickens’ 2024 season (59 catches, 900 yards, three touchdowns) was marred by a late-season hamstring injury and inconsistent quarterback play from Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, factors that may have limited his production. His strong relationship with Tomlin and a bounce-back performance in a Week 13 win over Cincinnati, where he overcame early adversity to score a game-tying touchdown, suggest he remains valued in Pittsburgh. Still, with no receiver drafted in 2025 and the addition of veteran Robert Woods for depth, the Steelers appear committed to Pickens for now, though a trade could resurface if contract talks stall.

Cowboys’ Next Steps and Trade Outlook

For Dallas, the failure to land Pickens leaves the receiver position unresolved. Stephen Jones admitted the current group—Lamb, Tolbert, and others—has “potential” but lacks proven No. 2 production, fueling speculation about free-agent targets like Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper. Bleacher Report’s Paul Kasabian predicted a post-draft trade for Pickens, arguing he’d be a “fantastic No. 2” if he can manage his attitude, but Russini’s report suggests the window may have closed.

The Cowboys’ financial constraints, with significant cap hits from Prescott and Lamb in 2025, make a high-cost trade for Pickens challenging, especially with his looming extension. A trade package likely would have included a second- or third-round pick, potentially with a player like Mingo or Flournoy, but Pittsburgh’s steep asking price and Dallas’ draft focus on other needs halted negotiations. Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson noted pre-draft buzz about “substantive trades,” but the Cowboys’ inaction suggests they may wait for free agency or the trade deadline to address the position.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The trade rumors ignited passionate responses on X. Cowboys fans expressed excitement at the prospect of Pickens joining Lamb, with one user posting, “Pickens and CeeDee would be unstoppable! Jerry, make it happen!” Others were skeptical, citing his off-field issues: “Pickens is talented but a headache. Do we need that drama in Dallas?” Steelers fans, meanwhile, were divided, with some urging Pittsburgh to keep Pickens—“GP and Metcalf are a nightmare for defenses!”—while others supported a trade for draft capital: “If we can get a second-rounder, pull the trigger.”

Analysts praised the Cowboys’ interest but questioned the fit. Sporting News’ Mike Moraitis called Pickens a “long-shot” due to his contract situation and attitude, while CBS Sports noted that his trade value may have been hurt by maturity concerns, preventing Pittsburgh from securing a deal. FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz highlighted Pickens’ appeal to teams like the Green Bay Packers, who also pursued him, but emphasized his value to Pittsburgh alongside Metcalf.

Looking Ahead

With the draft concluded, the Cowboys face mounting pressure to upgrade their receiving corps before the 2025 season. While trade talks for Pickens have cooled, Jones’ comments suggest Dallas remains open to veteran additions, potentially revisiting discussions with Pittsburgh if Pickens’ situation sours. For the Steelers, retaining Pickens for his contract year offers a chance to pair him with Metcalf and a new quarterback—possibly Aaron Rodgers, per ongoing rumors—while weighing an extension or compensatory pick in 2026.

Mahomes’ emotional reaction to the Chiefs’ draft pick of an offensive tackle underscores the importance of protecting a franchise quarterback, a lesson Dallas must heed with Prescott. Similarly, the Cowboys’ pursuit of Pickens reflects their desire to give Prescott a weapon akin to Kelce’s role in Kansas City. As one X user put it, “Cowboys need a Pickens to take the heat off Lamb, but can they handle his baggage?” For now, Pickens remains a Steeler, and Dallas’ search for a No. 2 receiver continues, leaving fans on both sides eager for the next chapter in this trade saga.