The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a big move by trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. As part of the deal, the Cowboys will receive Pickens along with a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, giving them a young, dynamic player to strengthen their receiving corps. In return, the Steelers will acquire a 2026 third-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder, gaining valuable draft capital that can be used to strengthen other areas of their roster.
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Former Steelers WR George Pickens celebrating as he scores a touchdown.
Pickens is still new in Dallas, but he has already begun meeting with the media as he begins this next chapter of his career. Clarence Hill Jr., a journalist who covers the Cowboys, recently shared a post on X that could come as a surprise to many fans. The post offers insight into Pickens’ attitude since arriving in Dallas, which is different then some of the assumptions that followed him from his time on the Steelers.
George Pickens has been coached well. He is saying the right things. Not getting into any of the past drama. Happy to be with the Cowboys, play with Dak, take it one day at a time.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 8, 2025
Pickens has drawn attention throughout his NFL career not only for his athletic talent, but also for his behavioral concerns, which have led to ongoing discussions about his attitude. Known for being very outspoken, Pickens has had several moments on and off the field that raised concerns among coaches, teammates, and fans. He has shown visible frustration during games, including emotional sideline outbursts and instances where he appeared careless when not the focal point of the offense. Additionally, his social media activity have stirred up a lot controversy, leading many people to question his maturity and professionalism. While his passion for the game is evident, these attitude-related issues have at times overshadowed his performance, adding to concerns about how he fits within a team-first culture.
@bepryor / X
Former Steelers WR George Pickens speaks to members of the Pittsburgh media.
While the exact reasoning behind the trade has not been publicly confirmed, it's totally possible that Pickens' attitude played a role in the Steelers’ decision. In addition, his rookie contract is scheduled to expire after the 2025 NFL season, placing the Steelers in a position where they would need to negotiate a potential extension. Considering the current market for wide receivers, where contracts have become increasingly larger through recent years, the Steelers may have been reluctant to commit to the kind of financial investment Pickens would likely want. It’s reasonable to assume the trade resulted from a combination of attitude concerns as well as financial considerations. Despite this, Pickens undeniably left a memorable mark during his time in Pittsburgh with his undeniable talent.
Pickens made a significant impact on the field during his time with the Steelers, quickly becoming an important part of the team’s offense after being drafted in 2022. From the beginning of his NFL career, Pickens showed his ability to make big plays and serve as a reliable target in key situations. Over the course of his time with the Steelers, he built an impressive statistical resume, recording 2,841 receiving yards, 174 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. His explosiveness was particularly highlighted during the 2023 season, when he led the entire NFL in average receiving yards per reception with an impressive 18.1 yards per catch.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens making a great catch against the Washington Commanders.
The Steelers Still Have A Quarterback Vacancy And Space To Add Another Wide Receiver
Based on the X post above, it appears that Pickens is focused on the future and embracing the new chapter of his career with optimism. Now in Dallas, Pickens is catching passes from veteran quarterback Dak Prescott, and this post suggests that he is enthusiastic about the opportunity. His positive attitude and excitement for the change of scenery could signal a fresh start for the young receiver.
Meanwhile, the Steelers find themselves in a different situation. The team still lacks a definitive answer at the starting quarterback position, leaving a major question mark in this position as they head into the upcoming season. Additionally, with Pickens' departure, there is now an opening at wide receiver, giving the Steelers another position to address as they continue shaping their offensive roster. While they acquired veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf this offseason, it's no secret the Steelers are looking for at least two strong wide receivers for their roster.
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