Cowboys Land Pickens in Attempt to Bolster Receiving Corps
Dallas has made a bold move to bolster its receiving corps by acquiring star wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a notable trade, the Cowboys are sending a third-round pick to Pittsburgh along with swapping later-round selections, securing Pickens to add firepower to their offense. This acquisition comes as a surprise to many, especially after Dallas chose not to draft any wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft, which led many to believe they would suffice with what they had. With Pickens joining the team, CeeDee Lamb gains a formidable new partner in the passing game, promising a dynamic duo that could reshape the Cowboys’ offense.
Last season, Pickens proved his value by catching 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns across 14 games. His ability to stretch the field is evident, as he hauled in 12 receptions of 30 or more air yards—an impressive feat that ranks second all-time since this stat began being tracked in 2006. Though the 24-year-old has yet to earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors, many regard him as a highly talented receiver with significant upside. Over his first three seasons in the league, Pickens has amassed 2,841 receiving yards, placing him third among Steelers receivers in that timeframe, behind only Mike Wallace and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, Pickens offers a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism, making him a legitimate deep threat from the perimeter. His arrival should invigorate Dak Prescott’s offense by diversifying passing options and forcing defenses to adjust. Additionally, Pickens and Lamb complement each other well; their presence on the field will likely open up more opportunities for both, allowing each to thrive and elevate the team’s overall aerial attack. With this strategic addition, the Cowboys now boast one of the most promising and potentially explosive wide receiver tandems in the entire NFL.
It must be noted, however, that Pickens has had his share of mishaps. He has lost his composure multiple times on the field, with some actions behind closed doors rumored to have played a role in his departure. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that Pittsburgh was willing to move on from Pickens in order to get a fresh start for both parties.