

The Dallas Cowboys made headlines on Wednesday with their acquisition of wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing the talented playmaker alongside a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for 2026 third- and 2027 fifth-round selections. While Pickens has demonstrated on-field ability, the trade raised eyebrows across the league due to his perceived low value in trade discussions.
Entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract, Pickens has posted impressive numbers despite playing with a rotating cast of quarterbacks in Pittsburgh. Over three seasons, he consistently surpassed 50 receptions and 800 receiving yards, and his 2023 campaign saw him haul in 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. However, despite his production, reports suggest teams were hesitant to trade for him, citing concerns over his locker room presence.
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According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Pickens was widely mentioned as a trade candidate during the 2025 NFL Draft, but teams showed little interest. Some organizations reportedly “laughed at the idea” of trading for him, unwilling to introduce him into their locker room for any price.
His reputation as a behavioral concern in Pittsburgh was reinforced last season when head coach Mike Tomlin publicly stated that Pickens needed to “grow up” after committing multiple costly penalties in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Dallas trusts the guy for the time being
Despite those concerns, the Cowboys are betting on his talent to boost their passing attack, which has lacked a true second option since trading Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. Pickens is expected to line up alongside CeeDee Lamb, offering Dallas a dynamic receiving duo capable of stretching the field. While he may not be considered a WR1, his ability to make contested catches and operate in a pass-heavy offense makes him a promising addition.
The key question moving forward is whether Pickens can thrive in Dallas’ culture. If he embraces the opportunity and develops alongside Lamb, the Cowboys could look back at this trade as a steal, considering the relatively low draft compensation they sent to Pittsburgh. However, if his off-field concerns persist, the move could prove costly, reinforcing the skepticism that led many teams to pass on him.
With training camp approaching, all eyes will be on Pickens to see if he can prove doubters wrong and establish himself as a reliable target for quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys’ gamble on his talent will soon be put to the test.
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