Cowboys now say they have agreed to terms to acquire WR George Pickens and a 2027 6th-round pick from the Steelers in exchange for a 2026 3rd-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/vqwjblb9v2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2025
Per Schefter, the Steelers will receive a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Pickens and the Steelers have been at odds since at least January. Rumors of a trade have swirled for months, but once the 2025 NFL Draft came and went without a transaction, it seemed for a moment like nothing would happen. Now, the Steelers will move forward with recently acquired wide receiver D.K. Metcalf dominating targets as their unquestioned WR1.
Impact
Pickens should slot in right away as the Cowboys' WR2 across from All-Pro CeeDee Lamb, and the duo should immediately become one of the league's deadliest wide receiver combos. Pickens' ability to win contested catches along the boundary and in one-on-one situations should be an ideal complement to Lamb's dominance in the middle of the field and with the ball in his hands.
That being said, there is a substantial downside for the Cowboys. Managing Pickens, a notorious malcontent, won't be easy. He's in the final year of his rookie deal and will likely be looking for a new contract before he even plays a down for the Cowboys.
Given Pickens' production through three seasons (59.2 receiving yards per game and 9.7 yards per target), he could command a deal similar to the four-year, $115 million deal Tee Higgins landed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Giving Pickens a deal like that could be disastrous if he doesn't adjust well to the glitz and glamour of playing for America's Team, but denying him it could lead to more drama and theatrics.
As for the Steelers, trading Pickens raises a number of issues. For one, it dramatically lowers the ceiling of their offense, which finished 16th in points scored and 23rd in yards gained in 2024. For another, it could complicate the Steelers' potential acquisition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers have been in talks with the four-time MVP since March, but without Pickens on the roster, they suddenly offer a significantly less enticing package. Rodgers has made it clear that retirement is on the table.
In any case, the Steelers are risking a significant step backward on offense in exchange for greater team harmony. Whether or not they'll be better for it will be a story to monitor during the 2025 regular season.
Photo Credit: © Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
