By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
It was rumored after the season ended, speculated during the NFL Draft, but on the morning of May 7, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers trading WR George Pickens became a reality as he was sent to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third round pick. The Cowboys will also send a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers and get back a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Pickens, 24, was a 2022 2nd round pick, from then-National Champion Georgia. He immediately made an impact in the Steelers offense as he caught 52 receptions for 801 yards and a team-high four TDs. He also made an impression with toe-tapping and one-handed catches. His most memorable TD that season was the game-winner that he caught from QB Kenny Pickett during their Christmas Eve game versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
But 2023 was his breakout season as he finished with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns and led the league in yards per reception with 18.1. His most memorable game that season was in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals in which he had four receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns, including an 86-yard reception for a score in the first quarter. In 2024, he finished with 58 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns.
His talent notwithstanding, the main concern about Pickens was his mercurial attitude which resulted in lackluster effort on the field, including not blocking for RB Jaylen Warren on a potential touchdown drive near the goal line and dropping 3 passes in the Steelers 2024 season finale versus the Bengals. He was also penalized for flagrant fouls, and for showing up late for his team’s Christmas Day game versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
How the trade affects the Steelers: It’s obvious that the Steelers concluded that they were ready to move on from Pickens, and with the acquisition of All-Pro WR DK Metcalf, which became a reality. They also added serviceable veteran Robert Woods. The rest of the WRs corps are as follows: Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson (who was injured most of 2024), Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek. The subtraction of Pickens leaves the Steelers without a proven #2 WR, but it is possible that the Steelers could sign one of the several remaining free agent WRs or make another trade to acquire one.
How it benefits the Cowboys: Dallas had made it known that they were looking for a #2 WR to compliment All-Pro Ceedee Lamb and they’re expecting Pickens to fit the bill. The other Cowboys WRs are as follows: Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Brooks, rookies Josh Kelly (R), and Traeshon Holden (R).
Both teams feel like they made the right move, but the 2025 season will determine who won this trade.
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