The Pittsburgh Steelers infuriated part of their fan base earlier in the 2025 offseason when the organization decided to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers had traded for DK Metcalf prior to free agency opening up, which made Pickens expendable moving forward. The receiver did not get dealt before or during the 2025 NFL Draft, which made many fans believe he was going to stay in Pittsburgh. That changed quickly as the Steelers were able to acquire a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as well as a late-round pick swap in 2027.
AP
Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens looks on during an away game in 2024.
It wasn't much of a surprise to see the Steelers decide to part ways with Pickens. The receiver was exciting on the field, but he hurt his team often and was a distraction at times. There were also reports of Pickens consistently being late to team events, including games.
His rookie contract expires after the 2025 season and Pittsburgh had no desire to extend him, so trading him made the most sense for the organization. He joins CeeDee Lamb in an elite wide receiver room, and Lamb spoke about the two teaming up at Kyler Murray's celebrity softball game.
"Oh no, we both ones." Lamb said. "It ain't no A or B, none of that. It's one, you look over there you see one, you look over here you see another one. So, do what you gotta do with that."
Lamb has proven himself as one of the best wide receivers in the entire league, while Pickens still has some work to do to break into that upper echelon. The reason he isn't considered one of the best in the league could be because of the inconsistent quarterback play that was present in Pittsburgh, while it could also be his blatant immaturity.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens catches a pass against the Ravens in Week 11 of the 2023 season.
As soon as the trade between Pittsburgh and Dallas occurred, fans questioned how Lamb and Pickens would work together with the Cowboys. Both are alphas at the wide receiver position, while Lamb has clearly had the better career up until this point. It seems as though both players are hyping the other up, which is a good sign of their relationship and Pickens' maturity.
It is important to note that it is the middle of May, so it will be interesting to see how either receiver reacts when they are not getting targeted once the season kicks off. There will be weeks where one receiver sees the bulk of the targets, and how the other reacts is going to be fun to watch.
This is especially interesting when considering that the 2025 season is going to come into play heavily for Pickens when he is negotiating a new deal in free agency during the 2026 offseason. He is in a contract year, which means he is going to want the ball.
ESPN
Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens takes his helmet off during loss to the Browns in Week 12 of the 2024 season.
Steelers Former Wide Receiver Is Primed To Have Best Year Of His Career
Pickens will probably have the best statistical performance of his career while playing with the Cowboys in 2025. Dak Prescott gets a lot of hate from the public, but he has been one of the better quarterbacks in the league over the last decade. He is by far the best quarterback Pickens will have ever played with at the professional level, and Lamb is the best wide receiver he will have the chance to line up alongside.
Lamb and Pickens will be able to draw a good amount of attention from the defense, which should free things up for one another. Pickens could wind up having a career year when it comes to targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns. This should set the former Steeler up for a decent pay day once free agency rolls around, although he will probably need to find a new home as Dallas has their money tied up in Lamb and Prescott, and Micah Parsons is still waiting for a new deal.
What do you expect from Pickens on the Cowboys in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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