George Pickens Trade Rumors: Could the Steelers’ Wideout Land with the Dallas Cowboys?
The NFL offseason is no stranger to blockbuster trade rumors, and one of the hottest names circulating in recent weeks is Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. With the Dallas Cowboys reportedly in the market for a dynamic playmaker to complement star CeeDee Lamb, Pickens’ name has been frequently linked to America’s Team. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the buzz around a potential Pickens-to-Dallas trade has fans and analysts alike speculating about the feasibility, implications, and drama surrounding such a move.
The Origin of the Rumors
Trade rumors involving George Pickens began to gain traction ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, fueled by the Steelers’ acquisition of veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in a high-profile trade. Pittsburgh sent a second-round pick to Seattle and subsequently signed Metcalf to a five-year, $150 million extension, signaling their commitment to him as the centerpiece of their receiving corps. This move sparked speculation that Pickens, a 2022 second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, could be deemed expendable.
The Cowboys, coming off a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024 that snapped a streak of three consecutive playoff appearances, have been vocal about their need to bolster their receiving corps. Despite drafting CeeDee Lamb, one of the league’s premier wideouts, Dallas failed to add significant depth during the 2025 draft, with undrafted free agent Treshon Holden being their only notable addition. This has left the Cowboys searching for a high-caliber No. 2 receiver to pair with Lamb and support quarterback Dak Prescott under new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
Reports from multiple outlets, including ESPN and The Athletic, confirmed that Dallas inquired about Pickens during the draft, with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly stirring the pot during a pre-draft press conference by hinting at potential roster moves. The rumors gained further momentum when Lamb posted a cryptic message on social media, which some interpreted as a nod to Pickens potentially joining the Cowboys.
Why Pickens Makes Sense for Dallas
At 24 years old, George Pickens is a tantalizing talent with the potential to transform Dallas’ offense. In three seasons with the Steelers, he has recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns across 48 regular-season games, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make highlight-reel catches. His 2023 campaign, where he posted 1,140 yards, demonstrated his capability as a No. 1 receiver, though his role in Pittsburgh has been complicated by inconsistent quarterback play and the arrival of Metcalf.
For the Cowboys, Pickens would represent an immediate upgrade over their current options. Playing alongside Lamb, who commands significant defensive attention, Pickens could exploit single coverage and softer matchups, potentially elevating his production in Dallas’ pass-heavy offense led by Prescott, a three-time Pro Bowler. Additionally, Pickens’ $6.75 million rookie contract for 2025 makes him an affordable short-term addition, though his impending free agency and likely demand for a lucrative extension could complicate long-term planning.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has been among those advocating for the trade, noting that Dallas is “desperate for an upgrade in the receivers room” and that Pickens could be the key to returning the Cowboys to playoff contention. Kay argues that the Steelers’ financial commitment to Metcalf and Pickens’ reported frustration with his reduced role make Dallas a “logical spot” for the young receiver.
The Case Against the Trade
Despite the appeal, there are significant red flags surrounding a potential Pickens trade. The most prominent concern is his off-field behavior and locker room presence. Pickens has been fined 10 times by the NFL in three seasons for various infractions, including taunting, an obscene gesture, and writing “OPEN (EXPLETIVE) ALWAYS” on his eye black during a 2024 game against the Cowboys. His emotional outbursts and reported friction with the Steelers’ coaching staff, including an incident where he arrived late to a Christmas Day game, have raised questions about his maturity.
Adding a player with Pickens’ reputation could be risky for a Cowboys team navigating a high-pressure environment. Heavy.com’s analysis urged Dallas to avoid the trade, labeling Pickens a “diva” whose behavioral issues outweigh his on-field contributions. The Cowboys’ front office, known for its reluctance to invest heavily in players with character concerns, may hesitate to part with significant draft capital for a player who could disrupt team chemistry.
Steelers
On the Steelers’ side, parting with Pickens is not a straightforward decision. While Metcalf’s arrival has shifted the pecking order, Pittsburgh values Pickens’ talent and sees him as a complement to Metcalf, particularly with the potential addition of a high-profile quarterback like Aaron Rodgers in 2025. Steelers GM Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin have publicly expressed their desire to keep Pickens, with Khan stating, “We’re glad we have George and DK here. I think they’re gonna be exciting for everyone to watch.”
Moreover, the Steelers are unlikely to trade Pickens without substantial compensation. Reports suggest Pittsburgh would demand at least a second-round pick, similar to what they received for Chase Claypool in 2022, and possibly more given Pickens’ higher upside. For Dallas, surrendering a high draft pick for a player with one year left on his deal and a history of disciplinary issues may not align with their long-term strategy.
The Latest Developments
As of May 7, 2025, the Pickens trade rumors have taken a dramatic turn. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Steelers and Cowboys are working to finalize a trade that would send Pickens to Dallas in exchange for a third-round pick and a late-round pick swap, with the deal expected to be official soon. This development suggests that Pittsburgh’s stance may have softened, possibly due to ongoing tensions with Pickens or a strategic shift toward building draft capital for a quarterback-heavy 2026 NFL Draft.
However, conflicting reports have muddied the waters. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac previously downplayed the rumors, stating there were “no negotiations” with Dallas and that trade talks were overstated. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also noted that Pickens “flirted” with a trade request but ultimately wants to stay in Pittsburgh, citing his admiration for Tomlin. These inconsistencies highlight the fluid nature of the situation, with Pickens’ future hanging in the balance as the trade deadline approaches in November 2025.
What’s Next?
If the trade is finalized, Pickens’ arrival in Dallas could reshape the Cowboys’ offense, giving Prescott a dynamic duo at receiver and potentially revitalizing a team desperate to return to the postseason. However, integrating Pickens into a new system and managing his personality will be critical for Dallas’ success. His contract situation also looms large, as his agent, David Mulugheta, is likely to push for a new deal, which could create tension given Jerry Jones’ recent comments about not knowing Mulugheta while discussing Micah Parsons’ extension.
For the Steelers, trading Pickens would signal a clear pivot toward Metcalf as their long-term WR1 while freeing up resources to address other needs, such as securing a franchise quarterback. Yet, losing a player of Pickens’ caliber could hinder their immediate competitiveness, especially if Rodgers joins the roster and expects a robust supporting cast.
As the NFL rumor mill continues to churn, the George Pickens saga remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 offseason. Whether he dons the silver and blue of the Cowboys or remains in the black and gold of the Steelers, Pickens’ talent and volatility ensure that all eyes will be on him as the season unfolds.
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