The Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick on May 7, 2025 to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This ended a three-year relationship between Pittsburgh and Pickens, in which he collected 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns. Pickens has been the team's top receiver for the past two years in terms of yards, but his antics on the field are what many believe ended up getting him traded away. However, some of his newest teammates in Dallas are saying they aren't concerned with Pickens' past.
Corey Wernecke / Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys' George Pickens looks on during practice in Dallas.
With minicamps wrapping up around the league, it was a chance for teams to get a glimpse of their newest offseason acquisitions on the field for the first time. For Dallas, Pickens was undoubtedly the team's biggest offseason move and gives them a real threat at wide receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. After minicamp practice this past week, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was asked about Pickens' reputation in Pittsburgh. Cowboys beat writer Jon Machota posted Prescott's entire quote about Pickens and his reputation on X.
"The guy, he’s been great, he’s been phenomenal," wrote Machota via Prescott. "He’s a guy that loves football, loves his teammates. He’s been excited every day that he’s been here. He’s been early. So no concerns on the personal matters of GP and anything about it. Just super excited that he’s on our team. He’s one of us. He’s a brother and it’s just about continuing to grow and make sure we’re putting the best out there. That’s his approach."
It was a rave review from Prescott, showing that he isn't concerned in the slightest about Pickens and his previous antics. It is a fresh start for Pickens and a new role where he is not the top threat in the passing game, one that Pickens and Prescott are hopeful helps him reach his full potential on the field.
Cowboys Official Website
New Cowboys teammates CeeDee Lamb (left) and George Pickens (right) stand on the practice field as the duo gets some work in during 2025 offseason activities.
Prescott was not the only person to comment on Pickens and how he is adapting to his new team. Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer also gave a rave review about Pickens and the dedication he is showing on the field thus far. Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill Jr. posted Schottenheimer's quote on X below.
"He was the last one off the field today. I’m a big GP fan. He comes to work every day with a smile on his face," said Schottenheimer.
Pickens, who has been characterized as a problem in the locker room for most of his career, seems to be taking early steps to reinvent his reputation in Dallas. Those early steps have caught the attention of his new quarterback and head coach alike. Pickens and how he continues to develop as a player will be an interesting storyline to watch throughout the upcoming season.
Did The Steelers Move Off Pickens At The Right Time?
The Steelers trading Pickens was one of the team's more controversial moves of the offseason. It leaves them in a very similar situation to last year in having one clear top receiving option, with a lot of question marks behind their alpha receiver. However, Tomlin and the Steelers have a history of consistently moving on from star receivers without getting burned.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers WR George Pickens makes an acrobatic catch during training camp in Latrobe, PA in 2024.
Most notably, Pittsburgh moved off Antonio Brown in 2019 for draft picks. Brown since has had countless incidents off the field, even famously running off the gridiron and leaving the stadium in the middle of a game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Others, such as Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Martavis Bryant were all traded from the team and saw a significant decrease in production in the following years. Emmanuel Sanders may be the lone exception to this, as he went on to win a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos after his time in Pittsburgh. With Pickens, it is yet to be seen how the new culture in Dallas will affect his play and his attitude. Comments from his new quarterback and head coach show they are not worried about his past in Pittsburgh, as both sides move on ahead of the 2025 season.
How do you think Pickens will preform in Dallas in his first season as a Cowboy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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