Cowboys Acquire George Pickens as New Wide Receiver

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have found their ideal partner for Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb by acquiring George Pickens. In a new deal forged with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, Pickens joins the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. Additionally, Dallas will trade a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh and receive a 2027 sixth-round pick in return. Several weeks ago, Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones hinted at “significant trades” involving players, planned around the NFL draft timeframe. Pickens, initially drafted by the Steelers in 2022 in the second round, is entering the conclusion of his rookie contract. Earlier in the year, Steelers GM Omar Khan expressed intentions to negotiate with Pickens, but has since shifted focus, especially following the acquisition of DK Metcalf by the Steelers, which cast doubt on Pickens’ future as their leading receiver.

The Cowboys are also set to see starting quarterback Dak Prescott return to the field after sitting out the last nine games of the previous season due to a severe hamstring injury that required an operation. With both Lamb and Pickens, the Cowboys boast their strongest receiving pair since the days of Lamb and Amari Cooper in the 2020-21 season. Throughout the offseason, Dallas has been keen on securing a secondary wide receiver and held talks with multiple teams before ultimately setting their sights on Pickens.

The 24-year-old Pickens recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns last year. Impressively, he’s consistently managed over 50 receptions, 800 yards, and three touchdowns in each of his three seasons with the Steelers, despite missing three games in 2024 due to a hamstring injury and dealing with some on-field controversies. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had commented on the situations publically, reinforcing this view at his postseason press conference.

Last season, in the absence of Prescott, Dallas traded a 2025 fourth-round pick to acquire Jonathan Mingo from the Panthers. Mingo managed just five receptions for 46 yards. Meanwhile, Lamb stood out with 101 catches for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns before a shoulder injury ended his season two games early. With Pickens in the mix, the Cowboys are hopeful for a dynamic and productive partnership to boost their offensive game next season.