George Pickens trade from the Steelers to Cowboys finalized
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been rumored to be shopping George Pickens dating back to before the 2025 NFL Draft. And, if that were true, it would have made sense. They had already acquired DK Metcalf via trade from the Seattle Seahawks, and trading him before the draft would have allowed them to draft a receiver to help fill the void left after the Pickens trade.
The draft came and went with no trade, but the rumors didn’t die down. Reports of the Steelers and Cowboys were interested in doing business during the draft, but couldn’t come to terms during Day 2 of the draft. The rumors didn’t die down, and heated up to the point where it is now official the Steelers are trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
⚠️ TRADE ALERT ⚠️
We’ve agreed to terms to acquire WR George Pickens and a 2027 6th-round pick from the Steelers in exchange for a 2026 3rd-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick.
📰: https://t.co/6bwTbmwTSW | @blockchain pic.twitter.com/m3C0JcyzxX
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 7, 2025
As for compensation, it is for a 3rd Round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and a pick swap in later years.
Here are the full details:
Steelers get:
- 2026 3rd Round Pick
- 2027 5th Round Pick
Cowboys get:
- WR George Pickens
- 2027 6th Round Pick
While this creates a new hole on the roster in the wide receiver room, the Steelers clearly weren’t interested in having Pickens stick around for the final year of his rookie contract. At this point the Steelers now have work to do to fill out their 2025 roster and try to put together the best possible lineup they can to put a winning product on the field.
For all the latest news and notes on the Steelers as they prepare for Rookie Minicamp and the rest of OTAs, be sure to stay tuned to SCN.
Hope the FO can fill this new need at flanker in timely fashion.
No matter what we do, we aren’t getting a WR of George’s caliber to fill that hole this year. I sure hope Roman Wilson stays healthy this year and proves himself worthy of the draft pick.
I’ve seen Amari Cooper’s name floated, and that would be a nice fill-in, but I have doubts we can get him on a reasonable deal. If he was open to that, why wouldn’t he have already extended with Buffalo?
Of course not, those WR are available because they’re less desirable. Bills were wary of Cooper as he became hurt last season. Even if Steelers drafted Ayomanor instead of Sawyer, same talent deficit at WR happens. Unfortunate for everyone.
Am I the one who has thought that George Pickens hasn’t really been that great of a football player? Flashy? Sure. Athletically gifted? No question. But I’m wondering if he’s been a tad overrated because he’s been the only show in town the past few years at WR.
I dunno. WR performance also depends on the QB and OL. GP will get a fresh shot in a new place, he may grow up and perform well. Too bad he didn’t show maturation within three years.
His physical skills are not overrated. They’re surreal.
As are his attitude issues.
Dallas is gonna have a whole new soap opera this season.
I don’t like making trades that make you worse but maybe this had to happen for peace in the facility.
Hopefully this means they are much higher on Roman Wilson than I feel right now. I could live with Metcalf and CAIII on the outside if there are legit inside WR’s.
I am not thrilled with the compensation but that is one of the problems with shopping guys. The other teams have the edge.
Everyone that thinks this helps in the move up to get a 2026 QB, I am not sure. Say the Steelers earn pick #20 next year, I still don’t think they have enough ammo to move into the Top 10 without giving up multiple first round picks.
Based on just the math, and the assumption the Steelers pick at 16. They could move up inside the top 5 for their 2nd, all their 3rd’s (assuming their comp pick stays a 3rd) and probably a 4th. Now of course you know you need a dance partner willing to take those picks to drop out of the top five. Given that Cleveland landed a 2026 1st round pick to slide back 3 slots I highly doubt the Steelers are pulling off this much of a move without including their #1 in 27.
JoeB you type way faster than me.
Hard to get comp when it’s known that you’re peddling a potential powder keg, yes. And you’re likely right about comp to move up in the draft. Bush required a 1st round pick swap, a 2nd round pick, and a 3rd the next year…for a LB.
Some said the trade timing was weird. Or to just keep him and get a comp pick.
But IMO it makes sense to not have Pickens in the same room as another rookie class.