The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for DK Metcalf just prior to the beginning of the new league year in 2025. This was a huge move that excited the fan base. The idea of both Metcalf and George Pickens playing in the same offense was thought to have the potential to create a duo that could cause problems for years to come potentially. Unfortunately for the fan base, that is no longer going to be the case.
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Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (#14) catches a pass and gets ready to run up the field during a 2023 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers are moments away from finalizing a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, which will send Pickens to play for Jerry Jones. The news broke on Wednesday morning.
Sources: The #Steelers are trading WR George Pickens to the #Cowboys in a deal that should be official soon. pic.twitter.com/6qNOpGXXh1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 7, 2025
This bombshell of a report is being mentioned all over X by reputable insiders, so it is absolutely now expected to get done. What once was thought to be not likely after the 2025 NFL Draft, is now going to end up happening. It has been mentioned as of late that the Steelers' relationship with Pickens has soured a bit, which is why it would make sense for this deal to commence.
Details on the deal were almost reported, which could upset some in the Steel City. Fans wanted to get a second-round pick for Pickens, but that now appears to be off of the table.
The #Cowboys and #Steelers have a deal in place on a trade of George Pickens and it’s expected to be centered around a third-rounder and a late-round pick swap.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 7, 2025
Pickens is headed to Dallas. https://t.co/3rwQkmJROv
With this compensation, the Steelers could be in line to have a total of four, third-round picks in 2026. This will depend on the compensatory selections involved that won't be rewarded until March of next year.
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Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver George Pickens stands on the field as the team practices during 2023 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Pickens had an incredibly respectable three-year career in the Steel City. The final campaign in 2024 was hampered towards the end with a hamstring injury, but he hauled in 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns since being drafted. He has all of the talent in the world, but had numerous negative headlines generated about him during his tenure in the Steel City.
There will be a lot of questions to answer from the front office about this deal and why it was decided that now was the time to follow through with it, rather than before or during the draft. It's possible the Steelers and Cowboys agreed to table the talks until May, which is why fans are just hearing about this deal that is almost near completion.

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (#14) makes a one-handed grab as the team warms up on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Are Now Back To Where They Started At Wide Receiver
Without Pickens, Pittsburgh is arguably right back to where it was back in 2024 when he was the only true reliable wideout on the roster. That job will now be held by Metcalf, but it's clear that the organization no longer wanted to deal with Pickens' sideline and locker room antics. It will be very interesting to see how the promising talent handles the bright lights in Dallas.
Are you happy that the Steelers are trading Pickens? Let us know in the comments below!
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