In a stunning post-draft move, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in a surprising swap that has sent shivers of both hope and erosion of those same emotions around the league. But the trade package was just a 2026 third round and a 2027 fifth round for the Cowboys, while they received Pickens, plus a 2027 sixth round. Short-term advantages for the trade seem clear for Dallas, but the long-term effects are a point of disagreement among analysts for both franchises.
Cowboys’ Perspective: Immediate Upgrade with Some Caveats
This is an obvious trade for a Cowboys team looking to strengthen its offensive firepower. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Pickens gives a physical, downfield presence that Dallas has been largely lacking outside of CeeDee Lamb in the contested catch department. Over the past two years, Pickens was the Steelers’ top receiver by yards and averaged 15.3 yards per reception in 2024, showcasing his ability to take the top off and be a big-play guy.
However, concerns linger. Their lack of ability—or lack of ability—to keep in close proximity to defenders is a pretty major red flag. Last season, his average separation per target was 2.3 yards, just slightly better than Brandin Cooks (2.2 yards), who was ineffective when healthy as Dallas’ WR2.
Off-field discipline is another issue. Last season, Pickens drew attention for a scuffle with Cleveland’s Greg Newsome II and was flagged multiple times for unsportsmanlike conduct. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin publicly condemned him to ‘grow up fast, perhaps because his attitude is under question.
Grade: B
If not handled correctly, the Cowboys are taking on financial and behavioral risks with the Pickens addition, but it’s a huge addition to their receiving corps.
Steelers’ Perspective: Long-Term Planning or Mistimed Exit?
At least on the surface, the trade fits with Pittsburgh’s recent roster moves. With the acquisition of DK Metcalf from Seattle even earlier this offseason, the Steelers added another downfield threat to already possess such during their acquisition of Pickens. On top of it, there was no assurance that Pickens was going to re-sign after his rookie contract, the idea being proactive asset management.
However, critics say the timing was less than ideal. The Steelers’ short-term options of replacing Pickens after the draft are limited now that they would have to trade Pickens after the draft. Calvin Austin, Robert Woods, and rookie Roman Wilson are now all competing for the current WR2 spot behind Metcalf, and while seeing any among them as a high-volume threat isn’t the most encouraging thing to expect.
The Steelers’ reputed chase of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers is more puzzling, however. If the team is instead planning to win now and bring in a 41-year-old quarterback, it seems contradictory if they’re also trading away their second-best receiver. All that ‘broken record’ talk about the front office being torn between rebuilding for the future and contending immediately is, on the other hand, just that: talk, because the level of philosophical disconnect between the two plays out through its personnel strategy.
Grade: C+
On the surface, it’s completely understandable given Pickens’ expiring contract and character issues, but the move feels way off from what the Steelers recently said their short-term plans are.
Final Thoughts
The George Pickens trade is a reminder of just how fine the line can be drawn with trade talk. Though Dallas landed a game-changing receiver, their contract and his maturity will have to be managed. Pittsburgh’s decision, however, appears to represent an embrace of forward-thinking that could ultimately diminish its short-term success.
And as is typical for NFL trades, the final result really hinges on how Pickens does—and acts—in Dallas, and what value Pittsburgh gets out of its return in the coming years.
