George Pickens trade: a breakdown
The Dallas Cowboys found their number two receiver in George Pickens to pair with All-Pro Cedee Lamb. The Cowboys traded a 2026 3rd-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for George Pickens and a 2027 6th-round pick.
Dallas has spent the offseason looking to give quarterback Dak Prescott weapons to spread the ball to. Pickens will look to take pressure off of Lamb this season to open up the offense more.
Pickens also welcomes in the change of scenery as he has had subpar quarterback play throughout his whole career. It will be interesting to see if he can capitalize off of the opportunity that he will have with Dak Prescott throwing him the ball. He has the highest yards per reception in the NFL since 2022 at 16.3 yards per reception.
Dallas has been in desperate need of a deep threat receiver to spread the field for their explosive playmakers. Pickens is one of the best in the league at low probability catches, and should show a greater ability to get open as the number two receiver in Dallas.
Pickens is in a contract year and has expressed that he has no desire to sign an extension before the season. He plans to prove his ability as a top receiver in the league; then test free agency next offseason. If Pickens leaves then Dallas will receive a compensatory pick. They could also choose to franchise tag him, but I expect them to save the franchise tag as a backup plan for other players in a contract year such as Micah Parsons and Daron Bland.
Pittsburgh Traded for D.K Metcalf this offseason. He is essentially acting as Pickens replacement now that he is gone. The future at quarterback for Pittsburgh is still in question, but they have expressed interest in signing former MVP Aaron Rodgers. They drafted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard with their sixth round pick to pair with Mason Rudolp, and Skylar Thompson in the quarterback room.
Both organizations seem to be happy with the trade, and consensus is split on who has initially won the trade. It will be interesting to revisit the conversation next offseason when Pickens becomes a free agent.
Mason Garcia
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Associate Writer
