Blogging The Boys
Since the 2000s began, the Cowboys have had several trades for big-name wide receivers. It’s still too early to make an official proclamation, but so far, the trade for George Pickens is looking like it may be the most successful. Our rundown series now comes to one of Dallas’ brightest stars, and perhaps their most talked-about player this offseason.
Years in NFL: 4
Acquired by: Trade (2025)
2022 was a year of sweeping change for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger retired, there was a new general manager, and the receiver position was also in flux. George Pickens was part of this new offensive era, a second-round pick to go with first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett. Unlike the rookie QB, Pickens was an immediate contributor in a trio with Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. Pittsburgh traded Claypool away in November, leaving Johnson and Pickens as the clear starting duo.
For three years, Pickens’ talent was clear but so were issues with his maturity and relationship with the Steelers. The team struggled to find its next QB, going through the poo-poo platter of Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph before bringing in Russell Wilson in 2023. While Wilson helped bring some respectability back at QB, Pickens’ status with the team was already breaking down. Criticism of his effort became public, and he went into his fourth year without a clear path forward in Pittsburgh.
As it turned out, the path led to Dallas. Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick were sent to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-rounder and Dallas’ fifth-round pick in 2027. For the Steelers, it was a decent return on a former second-rounder who they clearly had no intention of re-signing after his rookie deal. For the Cowboys, it was an immediate upgrade at WR2 and a much-needed wingman for CeeDee Lamb, who’d been carrying too much of the receiving load since the departure of Amari Cooper and the decline of Michael Gallup.
For Pickens, the fresh start was clearly needed. Whether it was a new set of coaches, the pressure from his expiring contract, finally having the right QB in Dak Prescott, or all of the above, Pickens exploded in 2025 with new career highs of 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He went to his first Pro Bowl and was a Second-Team All-Pro.
In one year, Pickens went from the Steelers’ chopping block to the Cowboys’ franchise tag. A long-term deal was not reached this offseason, but Pickens reported to all mandatory activities and has said he’s ready to be at camp and play 2026 on the franchise tag. Even with the contract issue, Pickens’ relationship with Dallas seems undamaged and there’s plenty of excitement for his second season.
Years Left: 1
2026 Cap Hit: $27.3 million
Honestly, we’ve been waiting to do this one until we saw how the contract negotiations played out. But as of July 15th, the window for franchised players to sign a long-term deal closed and...
