The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long history of finding hidden gems at wide receiver. They drafted Antonio Brown in the sixth round in 2010, and he went on to become one of the league’s best for several seasons.
But the Steelers also know when to move on. In 2019, they traded Brown to the Oakland Raiders for a third- and fifth-round pick. At the time, many thought they gave up too soon. But as Brown’s off-field issues grew, the Steelers looked ahead of the curve—almost like football’s version of Nostradamus.
Something similar may have happened again with their latest project, George Pickens. News just broke that Pickens is being traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and a late-round pick swap. The news sparked a quick reaction from a former Cowboys player who clearly had some unfinished business with Pickens.
Former Dallas Cowboys CB Posts His True Feelings About the Trade
When the Steelers played the Cowboys in 2024, Pickens struggled. Though he was the team’s most talented receiver, he ranked third in receiving yards that day—behind running back Najee Harris and tied with wideout Van Jefferson. Pickens finished with just three catches for 26 yards.
Dallas won 20–17, and Pickens let his frustration show. As the game ended, he was seen grabbing Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis by the facemask and dragging him to the ground.
Lewis didn’t return to the Cowboys in 2025, instead signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
I had completely forgotten about this 😂, and then Jourdan Lewis calling George Pickens “weak” after the game
Lewis, the former Cowboys corner,
said this morning about the trade: “Confirmation, God wanted me in Jacksonville.” 😂#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/ioOCLnuVaj— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports)
After news of the Pickens trade broke, Lewis posted a blunt reaction on X.
Confirmation, God wanted me in Jacksonville. https://t.co/wvwaDROqmf
— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD)
“Confirmation, God wanted me in Jacksonville,” he wrote as he shared Adam Schefter’s post about the trade.
Did the Pittsburgh Steelers Dodge a Bullet?
Lewis’ post made it clear—he and Pickens never made peace. And it adds to the long list of red flags that have followed Pickens since college.
His talent is obvious. He can make circus catches look easy. But his behavior has often frustrated the Steelers and their fans.
Those concerns date back to his time at the University of Georgia, which may explain why he fell to the second round of the draft. Pittsburgh took a chance, but they were never able to fully rein him in.
MORE: Cowboys’ WR Depth Chart After Pickens Trade
Things got worse in 2024 when he stepped into the WR1 role after Diontae Johnson was traded. That season, Pickens wore eye black with curse words, fought with opponents, taunted fans, and reportedly showed up late for a game.
Whatever head coach Mike Tomlin said behind closed doors, Pickens didn’t publicly express much regret for his antics.
The trade came as a surprise to many, especially after the draft. Fans worry that Pittsburgh is once again thin at receiver. But the team may have decided it was better to get something now than risk losing Pickens for nothing when his rookie deal ends after 2025.
