The East Coast received news of the George Pickens trade as many arrived at work around 8 a.m., and the West Coast heard about it as early risers opened their eyes at 5 a.m.
Despite the time difference, May 7 kicked off with energy as analysts and fans quickly reacted to the Cowboys’ big swing. Jerry Jones hadn’t made a splash like this in quite a while, and the move immediately shifted the narrative in Dallas.
George Pickens Trade Sets Off Positive Reaction from Emmanuel Acho
Speaking on a May 7 edition of “The Facility,” NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho said the Cowboys’ trade for the Steelers’ wide receiver changed everything.
“The Cowboys just became one of if not the most balanced offense in football.” 👀@EmmanuelAcho reacts to the Cowboys trading for WR George Pickens pic.twitter.com/WfJgFGhTcb
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) May 7, 2025
“It’s a gigantic deal, because I think the Cowboys just became one of, if not the most balanced offense in all of football, just like that. Not only that, it made the Cowboys draft this year seem brilliant,” he said.
Acho didn’t stop there. He continued to emphasize just how significant the trade could be for Dallas moving forward.
“I fervently believe with this acquisition of George Pickens, the Cowboys just became maybe not the best offense in football, but one of the most balanced offenses in football,” he said, doubling down.
To support his take, Acho broke down how well-rounded the offense has become.
“Name another team that has a top-five receiving duo, simultaneously has a run-blocking and pass-catching tight end, simultaneously has power backs and receiving backs, while simultaneously having an incredibly stout offensive line. This is no small deal, and this is no small move, America.”
Acho also shared his thoughts on social media earlier that morning, pointing out that it’s not just about Pickens — the pressure is now squarely on Dak Prescott.
5am instant reaction to the Cowboys/ George Pickens trade… @TheFacilityFS1 10am est for a thorough and detailed breakdown. pic.twitter.com/ywcf4qPCnC
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) May 7, 2025
“You got George Pickens, who’s probably one of, if not the best deep ball wide receiver in football. Now, Dak Prescott, he’s got to make sure he can throw the contested football, because George Pickens is not going to get a ton of separation. If he is covered, he is open,” he said.
While Dallas landed a potential star receiver, it didn’t come without complications.
Pickens’ Trade Details Come With Tacit Added Expense for Cowboys GM Jerry Jones
Per Adam Schefter, the Cowboys sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-rounder.
At first glance, acquiring a starting-caliber receiver for a third-rounder and a pick swap looks like a steal. But there’s more to the story—namely, a looming contract issue that could rival what CeeDee Lamb recently commanded.
The Cowboys are already tight on cap space after paying Lamb and Prescott before the 2024 season. Now, they’ll have to find room to pay Pickens, who is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. He’s posted at least 800 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, even though 2024 was considered a step back.
Currently, the Cowboys rank 23rd in PFSN’s Offense+ metrics, so a splash like this felt necessary. The only question now: Did Dallas make a smart investment, or are they setting themselves up for a financial squeeze that backfires?