The Dallas Cowboys are set to make a blockbuster move to acquire star wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cowboys have struggled to find a top running-mate for CeeDee Lamb since trading Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
As Dallas looks to get back on top of a stacked NFC East division this year, quarterback Dak Prescott looks set to be handed another star to throw to.
Dallas Cowboys Set to Sign George Pickens in a Trade With the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cowboys floundered in 2024 after neglecting the running back position and losing their starting quarterback in Week 9. The team had, though, strung together three straight 12-win seasons in the years prior. Now, with the hope that Prescott will be healthy again come September, the team has made a massive move to acquire one of the top receiving talents in the league.
There were rumors that Pickens could be traded before or during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers had recently traded a second-round pick for former Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, before handing him a lucrative new long-term contract. That left Pickens, who currently has one year remaining on his rookie deal, in an uncertain situation.
The team’s star receiver before Metcalf’s arrival, many believed that Pickens would be unhappy with the idea of sharing targets with another big name. While that may have been the case, Pickens will instead be sharing targets with Lamb, one of the top-three receivers in the league.
ESPN sources: Dallas and Pittsburgh are working to finalize a trade that will send wide receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys in exchange for draft pick compensation. The trade is expected to be finalized today. pic.twitter.com/EJvTb9KHG4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Dallas could be getting a steal. Compensation is expected to be a third-round pick and a late-round pick swap. It was later reported that the Cowboys will send a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to Pittsburgh, while the Steelers will also include a 2027 sixth-round pick.
MORE: Steelers WR Depth Chart After George Pickens Trade
Dallas’ real investment will be Pickens’ new contract, which is estimated to cost more than $100 million over four years.
The #Cowboys and #Steelers have a deal in place on a trade of George Pickens and it’s expected to be centered around a third-rounder and a late-round pick swap.
Pickens is headed to Dallas. https://t.co/3rwQkmJROv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
What Will Pickens Bring to Dallas?
Despite being the Steelers’ lead receiver, Pickens’ 103 targets ranked 35th in the NFL last season, though he did miss three games. Those three missed games likely prevented the receiver from posting his second-straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards, proving his immense talent.
More of a big-play threat, Pickens shouldn’t impact Lamb’s usage too significantly, but will offer the Cowboys a second explosive threat in the passing game. Pickens’ penchant for chunk plays is highlighted by his 11.6 air yards per reception, which ranked seventh in the NFL last season. Lamb should continue to dominate targets, setting Pickens up for some big plays down the field.
Dallas didn’t pick an offensive skill position player until Round 5 of April’s draft, but will more than make up for it with the signing of Pickens. After a disappointing 2024 season, the Cowboys should be a team to take seriously again in 2025.
