Earlier this week, the Dallas Cowboys landed a legit second option at the wide receiver position to complement CeeDee Lamb on the opposite side of the field. Dallas sent a third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to acquire George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The player is in the final year of his rookie contract.
The Cowboys are banking on Pickens, despite his perceived locker room reputation and alleged character concerns, to provide that one-two punch that the Cowboys’ offense has been searching for over the past several seasons.
Cowboys Insiders React to the George Pickens Trade
Following the trade news making national headlines, some Cowboys’ insiders sounded off on the significant off-season acquisition. K 104’s Sports Director Ron Murray, who has been covering the team for a while now, zeroed in on the Cowboys needing to upgrade their wide receiving core.
“I think it’s definitely a great trade for the Dallas Cowboys, especially since they’ve been looking to bolster their wide receiver room,” Murray told PFSN. “They’re getting one of the league’s young talents in George Pickens, who’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. This allows the Cowboys to evaluate him and decide if he fits into their long-term plans.
“What’s even more intriguing is that players often perform at their highest level in contract years. So, we may be getting the best version of George Pickens yet. Some people may have concerns about his antics, but in my opinion, if you’re winning, that won’t be an issue. This move could really add excitement to the Cowboys’ offense, especially from a passing standpoint.”
However, WFAA’s Sports Anchor Jonah Javad spoke very candidly on the trade.
“I love it, and I hate it at the very same time. On the field, it’s a perfect fit,” Javad told PFSN. “George Pickens is an X-type receiver—a souped-up version of Michael Gallup. He excels in winning downfield on contested catches and gets most of his separation on deep posts and crosses. He’s not a short-area separator like CeeDee Lamb, which is why the two would complement each other well. Pickens gives Dak Prescott a legitimate, bona fide No. 2 receiver—something the offense has lacked in recent years.
“But there’s also a reason the Pittsburgh Steelers moved on from him. He became a headache, both on and off the field. They felt it was time to part ways, trading him before the final year of his rookie deal. Pittsburgh brought in DK Metcalf this off-season, who also plays that X-receiver role, so the writing was on the wall.”
‘Unpredictable Behavior’ Worth One-Year Bet?
Pickens’ penalties and unpredictable behavior—especially when cameras or microphones are around—have raised red flags. The Steelers have a history of cutting ties with disgruntled receivers, and in this case, they secured a third-round pick in return.
So, the Cowboys are making a one-year bet, hoping Pickens can stay mentally focused and help lead the team back to the NFC Championship.
Teams reportedly “laughed” at the idea of adding George Pickens to their roster, per Jeff Howe (@TheAthletic)
Only more fuel for Pickens in Dallas 😤 pic.twitter.com/mSZtAE5KhX
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) May 8, 2025
“I can’t change anyone’s opinion,” Pickens told Nick Harris. “Me, personally, I just continue to grow. Everyone in the world has to grow as you get older and older. I’m just trying to build a winning culture, which they already have at the Cowboys.”
Will Pickens Gel With Dak Prescott and the Rest of the Cowboys’ Offense?
The duo of Pickens and Lamb looks good on paper but seeing it all come together on the football field is another thing. Murray thinks it will all work out.
“I definitely think it’s going to work,” Murray told PFSN. “When you look at Dak Prescott’s history, he’s had success with high-level wide receivers—guys like Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. They’ve been able to move the ball effectively through the air, and Pickens fits right into that system.
“I believe it really comes down to the personalities in the room. If George Pickens comes in motivated, ready to work, and improve, that’s a huge win. We already know CeeDee Lamb wants him there—he’s made that clear on social media.”
Pickens even commented on his pairing with Lamb, saying he’s ready for whatever role they throw at him.
“Schematically, you can’t double everybody. It’ll be good for me and him,” Pickens said at his introductory press conference (via Nick Harris). “I’m just here to work. Whatever role finds me is where I’ll find myself.”
