In an early morning announcement, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an agreement to trade wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for multiple draft selections. This deal underscores significant roster adjustments by both teams as they prepare for upcoming seasons. The Steelers are set to receive a future third-round pick and a fifth-round selection from Dallas, while sending their sixth-round pick along with Pickens to the Cowboys. Over his career so far, Pickens has faced challenges due to inconsistent quarterback play but remains a promising asset for any team.
Pickens, currently 24 years old, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after serving as Pittsburgh's primary wideout following Diontae Johnson's departure last offseason. During the 2024 season, he recorded 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns across 14 games, showcasing resilience despite the difficulties posed by varying quarterbacks. However, his standout performance came in 2023 when he amassed 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns, leading the league with an average of 18.1 yards per reception.
Throughout his three-year tenure with the Steelers, Pickens worked alongside several quarterbacks including Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph. These changes occurred following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement after the 2021 campaign. Currently, Pittsburgh's quarterback depth chart features Rudolph, backup Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard, recently drafted in the sixth round. While discussions with veteran Aaron Rodgers remain ongoing, no formal agreement has been finalized thus far.
This trade allows Pickens to join forces with Dak Prescott, a three-time Pro Bowler and recipient of the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Prescott, recovering from a season-ending hamstring injury, demonstrated progress earlier this year by stating his readiness to return if necessary. Negotiations between the two teams began during the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, highlighting persistent efforts to finalize the agreement.
The acquisition of star wide receiver DK Metcalf earlier this offseason signaled Pittsburgh's commitment to strengthening its receiving corps. Securing Metcalf through a substantial $150 million contract fueled speculation regarding Pickens' potential relocation. As these moves unfold, both franchises aim to bolster their rosters strategically heading into future competitions.
With this transaction completed, the Steelers position themselves differently on offense, integrating new talent while exploring long-term solutions at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Cowboys enhance their receiving options significantly, providing Prescott with another reliable target upon his return. Such strategic maneuvers reflect each organization's dedication to achieving success within the competitive landscape of professional football.