The Dallas Cowboys dramatically reshaped their offseason by acquiring polarizing wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a high-profile trade that sent shockwaves through the organization.
According to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Cowboys sent a 2026 third-round pick to Pittsburgh along with a Day 3 pick swap in return for Pickens.
“Comp update: It’s a 3rd-round pick back to the #Steelers and Day 3 pick swap with the #Cowboys in exchange for George Pickens, per sources,” Schultz posted on X on May 7.
This deal allows Dallas to pair Pickens with CeeDee Lamb, a three-time All-Pro wideout who signed a four-year, $136 million extension in August 2024. The move creates one of the league’s most exciting receiving duos, even before they’ve played a single snap together.
Lamb hasn’t shared the field with another 1,000-yard receiver since his early seasons alongside Amari Cooper, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
“If the Cowboys hope to return to the playoffs and kick off the Brian Schottenheimer era with a serious run, they need to bolster their receiving unit immediately,” wrote Alex Kay of Bleacher Report on May 6. “With all top-tier free agents already signed, trading for Pickens was the best option.”
Pickens, who’s entering the final year of his rookie deal—a four-year, $6.75 million contract—will earn $3.65 million in 2026. Spotrac projects his next contract could be worth around $101.1 million over four years. However, there’s no word yet on whether the Cowboys plan to offer a long-term extension.
While Pickens had a breakout year in 2023 with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns—leading the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch—he has yet to earn a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod. By contrast, Lamb had two Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors within his first three seasons, with two 1,000-yard seasons and 19 total touchdowns.
Signs of Pickens’ exit from Pittsburgh became apparent when the Steelers traded for D.K. Metcalf from the Seahawks on March 9, signing him to a four-year, $132 million extension the same day.
That move was seen as necessary given Pickens’ off-field issues, which often created more problems for the Steelers than for opponents. Over three seasons, he’s been fined 10 times by the NFL—for actions ranging from taunting and obscene gestures to wearing controversial eye black that read “OPEN (EXPLETIVE) ALWAYS” in a 2024 game against Dallas.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin publicly criticized Pickens’ behavior late in the 2024 season, urging him to “grow up.” Matters worsened when Pickens arrived more than 30 minutes late to the stadium for the team’s Christmas Day matchup against the Chiefs.
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