Trade Overview

The Dallas Cowboys have made headlines by trading for wide receiver George Pickens. In this deal, they will send a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers, in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This move brings Pickens into the Cowboys’ lineup, where he is expected to serve as a complementary receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb.

Implications for the Cowboys

The Cowboys addressed their need for a reliable second wide receiver after opting not to draft one this year. Pickens, known for his vertical receiving ability, adds a much-needed dynamic to the offense. In the past two seasons, he has demonstrated impressive performance metrics, including:

• 900 receiving yards in 14 games in 2024;
• 1,140 receiving yards in 2023;
• 2.2 yards per route run in both years.

Despite his promising statistics, there have been concerns regarding his consistency. Over the past two years, his catch score has dropped significantly, suggesting potential for regression. He had an “open score” of 70 and 68 in 2023 and 2024, up from 48 in 2022, indicating improvement in getting open for passes.

Risks and Considerations

While the trade appears beneficial from a statistical standpoint, concerns have emerged regarding Pickens’ off-field behavior. Following infractions during the previous season, Coach Mike Tomlin stated, “He’s got a target on his back because he’s George; he understands that. But he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.” With this in mind, the Cowboys should approach the contract situation cautiously and consider allowing Pickens to play out the season before deciding on a long-term commitment.

Steelers’ Perspective

For the Steelers, this trade offers fair compensation, especially considering the public knowledge about their desire to move on from Pickens. The acquisition of DK Metcalf earlier in the offseason suggests they were preparing for this trade, although it raises questions about their depth at the wide receiver position moving forward. Behind Metcalf, the team currently has Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, and Roman Wilson, which may not be enough to strengthen their receiving corps.

This shift in the roster also affects the team’s quarterback strategy. Without a robust support system for their quarterback, it becomes more challenging to attract high-caliber talent like Aaron Rodgers, especially given their limited options post-draft.

Trade Grades

Evaluating this transaction, the Cowboys receive a grade of B- while the Steelers earn a grade of B+. The trade’s outcome will depend significantly on how well Pickens integrates into the Cowboys’ scheme and whether his performance continues to evolve positively.