Coming up as a team interested in George Pickens ahead of the draft, the Cowboys are indeed moving forward with a trade to land him. The Steelers will cut bait on Pickens a year early; they are sending him to Dallas, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Todd Archer report.
The Cowboys will obtain the contract-year wide receiver in exchange for a third-round pick. Here are the terms of the now-official trade:
Cowboys receive:
- Pickens
- 2027 sixth-round pick
Steelers receive:
- 2026 third-round pick
- 2027 fifth-round pick
Shortly before the draft, Jerry Jones had said his team was working on multiple trades. Closely linked to Tetairoa McMillan, Dallas left the draft without acquiring a CeeDee Lamb complementary target. This led to the owner confirming his team was still hunting for help at the position. The team has secured it. Pickens will relocate ahead of his contract year, becoming the latest WR talent the Steelers will pass on extending.
[RELATED: Pickens Planning To Play Out Contract Year]
The teams had discussed Pickens since before the draft, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports, and Dallas is believed to have upped its offer to move the trade across the goal line. Previously, Dallas had offered only a fourth-rounder, per Russini; a third proved enough to headline a successful offer. 105.3 The Fan’s Bobby Belt was the first to report the Cowboys had zeroed in on Pickens. Unlike Diontae Johnson last year, Pickens did not request to be moved, The Pat McAfee Show‘s Mark Kaboly adds.
The Cowboys have searched for a high-end Lamb complementary piece for years, and they will now trade for one. The Cowboys continue to turn to the trade market to land receiving talent. This move comes after swaps involving Brandin Cooks and Amari Cooper; the latter’s departure helped create a years-long need in Dallas. Although Jones has swung and missed on big-ticket trades for receivers in the distant past — for Joey Galloway and Roy Williams — the Cooper move panned out. A belated replacement will arrive in the form of Pickens, whose impending relocation may well nix a rumored Cooper reunion.
Dallas dealt Cooper to Cleveland in March 2022, only obtaining fifth- and sixth-round picks for him. Cooper then delivered two 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Browns while nothing comparable occurred alongside Lamb with his previous team. The Cowboys became closely connected, mostly via Jones, to Odell Beckham Jr. that year. No signing took place, and the Cowboys played out the string without much help for Lamb.
Michael Gallup‘s December 2021 ACL tear sidetracked the former 1,000-yard playmaker’s career, and while Cooks still delivered reasonable production in 2023 following a trade, he missed a chunk of last season due to injury. Cooks returned to New Orleans as a free agent, leaving little alongside Lamb. Pickens joining holdover Jalen Tolbert in a contract year changes that equation ahead of Brian Schottenheimer‘s HC debut.
Having followed through with a rumored Pickens trade, the Steelers are now the team with a wide receiver need. This comes, of course, as the team is wooing Aaron Rodgers for what would likely be a one-and-done stay. Rodgers has not publicly committed to Pittsburgh, but he did throw passes to Metcalf and remains in communication with Mike Tomlin. The Steelers have remained confident the future Hall of Famer will ultimately sign, but his potential receiving corps is now suddenly much thinner.
That said, the Steelers have bolstered their 2026 draft arsenal. With Rodgers (or Kirk Cousins, potentially) only being a short-term fix, Pittsburgh will need better ammo in the event 2026 becomes the next draft featuring a bona fide QB1 investment. The AFC North team had been aiming to make an early-round move in either this draft or the next for a passer. After the team passed on doing so this year, by only adding Will Howard in Round 6, 2026 now looks like the draft the team will seek to acquire its belated Kenny Pickett replacement.
The Steelers still trail the Browns and Rams in terms of 2026 capital, with those teams acquiring future first-rounders in this year’s draft. Pittsburgh, however, is now projected to hold three third-round picks, two fourths and two fifths (via this trade and the compensatory process) in ’26. More work may still remain for GM Omar Khan, whose team’s ultra-high floor annually prevents a draft slot in the upper half of a first round, but this represents a start. Though, a Steelers team that struggled to find a Pickens supporting-caster last year returns to familiar territory.
Metcalf arrived a day before free agency but months after the Steelers failed to acquire Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers. The teams had trade terms and an extension worked out. Even though the extension was worth less than what the Browns and Patriots proposed, Aiyuk had the Steelers as his safety team in case a 49ers deal did not work out. Aiyuk ended his trade derby by signing a San Francisco extension, and Pittsburgh attempted to address its receiver need with a Mike Williams trade at last year’s deadline. That move did not produce much of consequence, and Williams has since returned to the Chargers. After years of Tyler Lockett working as a quality supporting-caster, Metcalf now comes to Pennsylvania without a notable WR2 presence.
Known for making receiver investments on Day 2 in the draft, the Steelers passed on doing so this year. They left the draft with their 2022 second-round find still rostered, but incessant trade rumors clouded Pickens’ future. He will now follow the likes of Johnson, Santonio Holmes, Martavis Bryant and Chase Claypool as a wideout dealt ahead of a contract year.
The modern-era Steelers have made a habit of having just one wideout tied to a notable second contract at a time. As Hines Ward, Antonio Brown, Johnson and now Metcalf (four years, $131.99MM) cashed in, moving parts abounded. Pickens had become a player to monitor as a one-contract Steeler for months, and a post-draft report pointed to no Pittsburgh extension coming, and another Pittsburgh WR search will be a storyline to follow in the coming months.
Pickens, 24, has flashed brightly during his first three seasons. He became the latest Steelers receiver find from Day 2, leading the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch (1,140 in total) in 2023 despite inconsistent quarterback play. Pickens posted 900 yards last season, doing so despite missing three games and having a low-ceiling Russell Wilson–Justin Fields tandem targeting him. Pickens is the NFL’s only player to generate three straight seasons north of 16 yards per reception and accumulated over 2,000 since 2022, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
As Dak Prescott recovers from a significant hamstring injury and enters his age-32 season, he will become the top QB tied to Pickens, who has produced some of the NFL’s most acrobatic catches during his short time in the NFL. While the latter’s contract year will unfold in Texas on a team that has already paid Lamb, Prescott targeting him should prove a welcome sight for a player who will be eager to cash in — as a Cowboy or a 2026 free agent.
Maturity concerns have mounted with Pickens, undoubtedly factoring into both Steelers WR trades this offseason, but the Cowboys will take a chance on a talented player entering his mid-20s. The Cowboys will have the Georgia alum tied to a $3.66MM 2025 base salary. They will hold exclusive negotiating rights with Pickens until March 2026. Although the Cowboys have dragged their feet on extension talks in recent years, they will have a higher-profile player to evaluate regarding a long-term fit once again.
While two lofty WR payments may be too steep for a Cowboys team that will likely enter Week 1 with monster deals for Prescott, Lamb and Micah Parsons on its cap sheet, the team has upgraded its 2025 receiver cadre in exchange for third- and fifth-round picks. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers regroup.
BAHAHAHAHAHA!
This is an incredibly stupid response.
The Eagles are down an All Pro corner, and Dallas now has two All Pro wideouts.
Stop being an idiot and acting like Dallas doesn’t now pose a problem for us.
George Pickens and All Pro have never even been in the same conversation lol
Not even “Pro-Bowl”, which is a much lower bar than All-Pro.
Dallas is entirely irrelevant. They’re not even in the same stratosphere as us. A streaky WR2 ain’t changing that.
This comment is why teams rarely repeat as Super Bowl champions. You acting like the Eagles are so much better is a disease called complacency. They have their ring now, see if the Eagles still have the fire in their bellies next year.
3 Super Bowl appearances in 8 years with 2 wins. Consistently in the playoffs. That fire in their belly is burning just fine
Like I said repeat. Maybe you missed that part of the comment.
Teams rarely repeat in any sport. It’s the nature of the game but when they do, there is a reason. It’s not complacency. It’s fact. They are better than most. They are one of the most successful, most well run organizations in the NFL. And it’s a reason why Dallas hasn’t played in an NFC title game in 30 years.
No Run
No Problem
Lmao Pickens all pro???? wtf
I agree. Dallas had b2b 12-5 seasons before an injury-riddled campaign dropped them to 7-10. With a healthy Dak, I fully expect them to bounce back and compete next season. They’re easily the best drafting team over the past 10 or so seasons based on all-pro selections among draft picks, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t revert to being competitive.
Dallas has not won more than a Wild Card Game in 30 years.
Wake me up when they are competitive, when the real games start.
The real games start week 1 because every game matters in the NFL. Teams don’t get much leeway. That’s why only 11.5% of teams who have started 0-2 since 1990 have made the playoffs. And that figure hasn’t budged much with the extra wild card addition.
Jerry Jones strikes again….
lol typical cowboys…
They now have two All Pro wideouts. Nothing to laugh at when we have a void at cornerback.
Bro, I’m a Cowboys fan and I’m not sure about this trade. This guy has the ego of Antonio Brown without the production. He’s still young, but if Tomlinson couldn’t fix him, Jerry sure can’t!
Pickens an All-Pro? Comical.
Which two???
Pickens –
All Pro Awads: 0
Pro Bowl Nominations: 0
Pickens is a good receiver when he wants to be, the minute he does not get the touches he thinks he should, he will whine and pout and be nothing but a distraction.. So its natural that Jones would get him.
The Steelers have been waving red flags over Pickens for quite awhile and Jerry just walked right through em.
I’m not a Pickens fan by any stretch, but he’s going to flourish in Dallas. I mean, he has a QB and an O-line which is good. He’s gonna get the ball. And there’s another big time receiver on the other side. He can’t be doubled on every route.
He got what he wanted. It pays to pout
What happens when Dak throws the ball to Cee Dee like he has all the time and Pickens gets miffed like he surely will. It’s just a question of time really. Cee Dee is the man there.
I’m not a big fan of Pickens either, but DAL needed someone. I mean CeeDee and Amari co-existed for two years. They both averaged close to 120 target for the two years they played together. It’s not like Pickens has been targeted 150+ times per season. He’s averaged right around 100 targets. Keep that the same and give the other aforementioned 20 to CeeDee gives him 140 targets and they’ll be fine. Heck Pickens could get less than that and be fine. Because the targets in DAL will be meaningful. Meaning they aren’t going to be throws that are nowhere near him like he had when Pickett was there.
I honestly would have preferred they signed Amari back this year. At least you know he can play with CeeDee
Cooper is a loafer. He loafed with the Raiders and got traded to the Cowboys. He loafed with the Cowboys and got traded again. He loafed with the Browns and got traded again. He did nothing in Buffalo with a great quarterback.
Cooper is a cancer
And you realize that is the main reason the Steelers traded Pickens.
He got traded from Dallas after the COVID fiasco. Whole relationship with the organization changed after he missed games because of that. He had a career year a couple of years ago with the Browns. I don’t know if he’s completely washed up since he was hurt most of last year, but he’s had a very good career. Ironically, he’s the receiver who keeps his mouth shut and just plays, and people like you criticize him for that.
You can be a malcontent while keeping your mouth shut.
Instead of worrying about me criticizing him, you might want to ask yourself why the Raiders, the Cowboys, the Browns, and the Bills have all moved on from him.
And why does he still remain unsigned long after a draft with a weak WR class has concluded?
So none of his teammates, coaches, or anyone else calls him a malcontent, but you know he is, lol. I just explained when it went downhill in Dallas, and it was always going to end that way when they drafted Lamb. Jerry Jones wasn’t paying two receivers a hundred million. The Raiders. Are you serious when Jon Gruden, who is an idiot, traded every good player they had when he got there including Khalil Mack? Last year, he was traded when Cleveland saw they weren’t going anywhere. Bills took a swing, but he was hurt the whole year. It has no bearing on how the rest of his career has gone. He could be still sitting on the market for the same reason most vets do at this late stage. He’s not getting the offers worth it to put his body through it again. Cowboys and Raiders both have discussed reunions with him, so he’s obviously not hated by those places like you seem to think. Just a strange comment to make in a George Pickens blurb, the ultimate loafer and malcontent.
That’s been the biggest set of problems here for Pickens strictly in a football sense. An O-line that afforded QBs little time to throw deep routes. QB’s who either just didn’t have good arms or had tunnel vision where routes were concerned. And this past year, constantly doubled by secondaries due to no other receiver here being able to get separation
He’s not the kind of player I’d want on my team. He gives up on plays, refuses to block when he’s not getting the ball, throws temper tantrums, shows up late to meetings…and games. But it’d be foolish to say he doesn’t have talent and that the concerns he had here aren’t remedied by this trade.
Cooper is like the polar opposite guy personality wise. Pickens legit might be crazy or something.
I’m not denying that. However, like I mentioned, even if Pickens ONLY gets 100 targets it’ll be the same he has gotten throughout his career. If Dak is healthy, those passes will be coming from a much better QB than what he had with his PIT tenure (Fields, Pickett, Wilson, etc). That in turn means he is probably having a better shot at catching the passes and turning 100 targets into 70 catches or so, instead of the 60 or less he had in PIT.
I would’ve liked to see how he played at Georgia for the whole 2021 season with guys like Ladd, Brock, Adonai, etc to see if that changed how he played at all. He came back basically for the CFP so I am not sure. However, I would imagine that he is going to like not getting doubled every route as the only WR and looks forward to try to put up big numbers and get paid like other top WR#2’s like Higgins, Waddle, and D Smith.
You seem to think it’s a production or wanting the ball thing or winning. I don’t think it’s any of that is all I’m saying. I think he’s mentally unbalanced. I’ve followed him since he was a high school recruit. Something is off with him.
Amari and Pickens are on two different ego levels. The former has a calm demeanor while the latter is just meaner…
Lamb is the clear number one, but, one of Dak’s strengths is he likes to spread the ball around. We will see.
The one issue I’m looking forward to is if Pickens will be happy as playing a # 2 to Lamb, he never has been labeled a robin to Lamb as batman for Cowboy receivers. I could very easily see the Cowboys using Pickens as a one and done if he can’t play the Cowboy way. They only gave up a 3rd for Pickens, they would get a 3rd round compensation pick in 2026 if Pickens walked. So Cowboys either going to get a re-branded Pickens who wants to play as a prime go to receiver, or they have lost nothing but a couple slots in the 2026 draft 3rd round.
Not sure if anybody knows this but you only get compensation picks if you spend less on FA than you lose, Hence the compensation. If the Cowboys have money to spend they’re going to spend more coming in than going out. So it’s highly doubtful to me they’ll get a pick at all.
Who has DAL spent money on the past couple of seasons, that wasn’t someone they were trying to retain? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the comp picks are based on what you spend on outside FA acquisitions. DAL still has to pay Parsons and Smith; possibly Bland and Ferguson too. So what money are they going to have to spend on guys outside the organization, that they won’t get a 3rd-4th rounder if Pickens signs elsewhere for $20-25M?
The difference is, no matter what you think of Dak, he can actually get the ball to his weapons. Pickens will probably mirror his production in Pittsburgh if for no other reason than Dak likely completing 150 more passes than Wilson/Fields did last season.
Long term, it doesn’t pay to pout. If he was pi$$ed the Steelers traded for a serious WR, what makes you think it’ll be any different with Lamb in Dallas? Oh. he may behave for awhile, but it’s just a matter of time til his prima donna act wears thin there, as well. And just wait until he wants to get paid…
I think a lot of people are seeing a Ferrari’s beautiful body, but failing to see the engine is about to misfire and blow up….
Because Pickens is a borderline elite WR making less than four million dollars this year.
He’s also a bordeline psychopath (like many former Pittsburgh WRs).
Happy to see the Steelers still hate the Cowboys. Adios, Pickens.
So the Steelers are gonna trot out Robert Woods at #2 WR. No QB, 1 WR and an inexperienced offensive line. And while Warren has played well there isn’t a clear cut #1 RB.
But I guess after this trade they will have 12 picks next year based on comp projections.
Just what is the plan here?
It’s like setting out on a road trip to Florida by way of Canada
As a Steelers fan, this comment sums us up perfectly.
This is why I really wanted the Steelers to trade out of the first round this year and get an extra #1 next year. Harmon fills a need and will probably be good, but next year it’s clearly all in on trying to hit on a franchise QB. Of all the years to only win 5-6 games (I don’t think the defense is bad enough to win fewer) this is it
I agree. The Harmon pick feels good today, but they would have better off, imop, to take the trade the Rams got at 26 with Atlanta. Trade down from 21 to 46, and get Atlanta’s 1st rd pick next season. Use all that draft ammo to make sure you land the “hopeful” QB of the future. They could have taken another good DL at 46 too(like Darius Alexander as just an example). That’s, at least, what I would have done.
They still have Calvin Austin but more importantly, I think Roman Wilson will have an impact after being hurt all of last year.
Exactly. I wonder if TJECK even knows who all is on the Steelers roster…
Ridiculous response. I know exactly who is on the roster and it’s just as bad as last year at the WR position.
Calvin is not a #2. You have no idea what you have in Roman Wilson. And behind that you have Ben, Scotty and Robert Woods. Don’t be a homer and over value the weak WR room.
If you said to me they want to continue to lean on the run game like Smith likes then I would have been fine with that response but to act like I don’t know what hot garbage they have on the roster is simply you being obtuse
Kaleb Johnson has all the potential to be a #1 imo, especially in Pittsburgh.
Agreed weird take on the rb front
It’s not a weird take. As of yet Johnson has not proven a thing. Thus the reason there is no clear cut #1 RB. Wilson COULD become a #2 and everyone OL could transform into the OL of the 2010’s.
But as of NOW there is nothing to prove that any of this will be the case.
People compare him to Leveon. Behind this line, it doesn’t bode well. Najee wasn’t a quick burst type. He often got the ball at the same time the d-line was on him. Warren is quicker, smaller
I liked this kid at Iowa. I think he has all the makings of a good NFL back. But behind this horrible line, who knows?
I love the pick. But there is a reason the Steelers haven’t had a run from a RB longer than 40 yards over the past couple seasons. If the OL can’t cut it, this entire scheme is toast
Which is yet another reason that Smith’s “Two yards and a gang tackle” offense is so ridiculous
Tank for better QB class next year.
Gabe Davis just got cut. He’d offer more as a number two than anyone currently on the roster.
This has trade has OWNER Mike tomlin written all over it
Keenan Allen is around, as is Amari Cooper. Neither are Pickens, but they’re decent free agent number twos. The Jags also just released Gabe Davis, as a more budget friendly option.
Allen has a bad foot and doubt he’ll be on every game day roster because he’s always banged up. He’s still a great route runner. Cooper didn’t make an impact on a Buffalo team that was really good offensively. Davis disappeared last season. Don’t really see either Allen or Cooper excited to join the Steelers (and take big paycuts) with so many questions at QB and bossman Tomlin’s history with WRs.
You’ve explained why those guys are free agents, which is fair, but given that we’re talking about a team that needs another receiver, there’s no reason that they couldn’t be signed to step in to a needy roster at this point in the offseason. If Pittsburgh trades one of these picks for another receiver, especially a lower ceiling one, then this trade was sort of pointless. Signing one of these guys to see if they can stand in for a year isn’t a bad idea.
If he’s gonna be a jerk what better place than Dallas. Come on! It’s perfect.
the march for arch is on. Steelers gonna suck something bad this year.
So the Cowboys are willing to deal with Pickens’ tantrum behaviors? Lord have mercy!!!
Gotta love seeing all the Cowboy haters falling all over themselves with this trade. If Pickens was traded to the Eagles or Chiefs, everyone would be saying how great of a steal it was for either team and how it further cements them as the Super Bowl favorite for the upcoming season.
Maddog- The Eagles and Chiefs were smart enough to avoid him so no we wouldn’t. Waiting to see what all the Cowboy lovers say when they lose him after this year when it all goes up in flames.
Well who knew Unclemike had the inside sources to both front offices.
Anyone who actually watches football can see that Pickens looks amazing in his highlights but there is more to his career than that. Just google him.
He does you no good if he is a sideshow every time he does not get his due (in his own mind) touches/catches, when he thinks he is a GM, when he thinks that the QB should only throw to him, when he criticizes his coaching for plays called.
Sure, guys can change, but I just do not see it with this guy… too much baggage. Im sure he will try, and if they are winning, who knows..maybe he behaves. However, if they start out rough and again he does get the attention he thinks he deserves..ohh boy..
I mean if Pickens leaves DAL after this year they get a comp pick for him which will be close to the 3-4 range. I would have preferred Amari, Allen, or Boyd because they aren’t as risky and they would’ve cost less salary and draft capital. Not sure if any of the vets would be as good as Pickens though.
@crb15. That’s a good point. It’s pretty much just giving up a 5th round pick. Not a bad deal if you look at it that way. Barring a injury he should get a 3rd round comp back. Hopefully they throw to him, and let him cook.
The Eagles are set at WR with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. And their cap situation has them contemplating moving on from yet another player in Goedert. Yet the Eagles were “smart enough” to trade a third round pick for Jahan Dotson. How has that worked out for them so far?
The Chiefs could certainly use someone like Pickens. Rice could end up getting hit with a substantial suspension from the multi car crash he caused. That would leave them with Hollywood Brown and an unproven Worthy. And of course, KC has never hesitated in adding problem players.
Dallas certainly isn’t proactive in signing contract year players, so there is that. Yet, if Pickens signs a lucrative FA contract and leaves Dallas they would probably get a fairly good comp pick (4th rounder?).
At worst this could be a 1 round (round and a half?) swap (a 3rd rounder for a 4th rounder).
I agree, and I’m really sick of seeing the moronic most likely bandwagon fans laughing at Dallas like they didn’t just become a problem for us in a year where we stupidly cut our All Pro corner.
I’m laughing at Dallas as a problem for my birds. I’m sick of bandwagon fans like you who doubt the genius of Howie, Stout and Fangio. As long as the cowgirls have Dak throwing picks when needed no running game and Jerry Jones as owner,no problems.
Dak has beaten the Eagles pretty regularly, with twice as many wins compared to losses against the Eags over his career, but, as he said-they are the ones holding the trophy.
Dak hasn’t beaten the birds or anyone else when it matters. It’s called choking at clutch time. Ownership of this division is Phillys.
Didn’t the Eags cough up the division the year before by choking down the stretch. I don’t think for a minute that Cowboys are better than the Eags, but you are kind of ridiculous. Titles are forever, though, so right now you have the bragging rights, such as they are.
“Cowgirls”, good one (?).
Despite your insecurities about Dallas, this was a solid move for them (just like the trade for AJ Brown was a solid move for your Eagles). The Cowboys have lacked a serious WR2 for eons. Prescott will not be forcing the ball into his receivers as much and that will cut down on the INTs. And Pickens is a serious weapon across from CeeDee Lamb.
Don’t sleep on Jaydon Blue out of Texas as a capable RB. Dallas has been rebuilding its OL the last couple of years, it should continue to improve.
You can talk smack all you want but the Cowboys just got much better.
It’s not that Pickens wasn’t a head case but…
You bring in DK
Sign an aging DB
Appear to be all in
Then let your QBs walk…
Let an aging QB play you…
Now this?
Trade TJ. Trade Minkah. Load up on picks and burn it all down. What a hopeless time for sports in Pittsburgh
The Steelers trade WRs, not LBs.
I don’t know that you are going to find someone willing to give up the compensation you’d want in return for Watt, which starts with a first round pick and then some. He’s over 30 and wants a huge contract extension.
I think the Steelers are planning for a future without Watt and might be content taking a 3rd round comp pick eventually. I still think a 2-3 deal gets done but if the price isn’t right the Steelers have a long history of letting a player walk, especially at LB and WR
Yeah, agreed. I was being facetious. Rooney has stated he wants Watt to retire a Steeler. Or at least, pushed out to pasture when he’s near the end, like Troy and Hines
Minkah has no trade value. He has 2 years left at $20 M per year and coming off a down year. No one is trading for him.
Steelers don’t trade their HOF players, they want them to retire as Steelers. Me personally if Rodgers doesn’t sign here, and we roll with Mason or Howard this year, I’d let TJ and Cam know and if they wanted to be traded to a contender I would grant their wishes. It would be best for all parties. Problem is the Steelers don’t do that.
I’d say the Steelers got rid of a bunch of salary to sign a WR but 1) There aren’t many left and no good ones and 2) Even if there were who would leap at the chance to sign with a team whose best options were 42 year old A Rod or Mason Rudolph? Love to be in the room for those conversations.
This seems to signal that Rodgers won’t be a Steeler. No point bringing in Rodgers when they have DK and no one else to catch the ball.
I’m thinking the opposite, they’re clearing a spot so there’s room on the roster for Rodgers’ buddy Alan Lazard. He’s gonna want somebody familiar to throw to.
Like I was saying since the Metcalf trade, no way he’d be on the 2025 Steeler roster. That’s the kind of move you make when you think the guy who is already in the building is a head case.
On the one hand, the Cowboys desperately needed a receiver and Pickens is very good for a number two, and even on an expiring contract, a 3 and a 5 isn’t bad for a player of his caliber.
On the other hand, does it seem like a good idea to take on a receiver the Steelers are eager to get rid of because of the kind of guy he is? And do you really want to take that guy on a walk year and give him to a rookie head coach no one but Dallas saw as a head coach?
This puts more pressure on the Steelers to either find another receiver or get something out of Roman Wilson, but getting a 3 and a 5 for a guy you dislike after the draft is decent business.
It was good for both parties. The Cowboys are taking the slight risk. He could sign an extension. If Pickens pans out and has a great year and they don’t resign him they should get back a 3rd or 4th Round Comp Pick in 2027 if he signs a good FA deal with another team. If that’s the case the 3rd they traded the Steelers could only be 10-40 spots higher than the Comp pick. And the swapped 2027 6th for the Cowboys 5th will only be about a 20-40 pick swing. So they aren’t losing that much in this slight gamble.
Being a Steeler fan I’m fine with this deal. Pickens is turning into the headache AB was at the end of his Steelers tenure. I don’t think Tomlin and the Org want to go through that again. Omar Kahn is loading up on picks (in trades and Comp Picks) in case he needs to move up 5-10 spots to get one of the 5 or 6 1st Round QB’s in next year’s talented QB class. I don’t see him moving up to get into the top 5 for one of the top two QB’s but being a deep class I’m sure they like 3 or 4 of these QB’s and fine with taking one of the others. Just like in 2004 when they took Big Ben at 11 after Eli and Rivers.
I think all of that is fair, other than maybe being a little overly optimistic about next year’s draft. But hey, that’s what thinking about a draft 12 months away is for.
Agreed, the draft class keeps getting a great deal of hype. That’s nice. But really, it’s no better than this year save for Manning, who’s still really a question mark.
They could have had any number of similar QBs this year, from Dart to Shough to Sanders. They chose not to and settled for Howard who, given his big game performances at OSU may turn out to be better than any alternative…who knows. But it again speaks to the mystery road map the franchise is using. I’m just a fan and it’s ok, as long as they have some idea of the destination ahead
Do some research on the ‘26 QB’s and watch some tape. Easily five 1st Round QB’s (Sellers, Klubnik, Nussmeier, Nico, and Allar). Six if Manning comes out. Seven if Leavitt at ASU is the stud he showed last year. Just needs the second big year to prove it and without Skat being a big part of that Offense. Also keep an eye on Mateer. Scouting Experts and GM’s are saying this so it’s not just me. Also very talented QB’s like Malachi Nelson who was a 5 Star recruit with all the tools and QB measurements just never got the chance to start. Steelers will Draft one of these QB’s.
You’re assuming that things go well for all of those quarterbacks next season, which we know won’t realistically happen. I’d be surprised if Klubnik isn’t a first round pick next year, but pretty much any of those guys could have a season that prevents them from going in the first. Take a look back at way too early mock drafts from last year projecting this year’s first round. Many people thought Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, and Shedeur Sanders would go in the first round. Several thought Drew Allar would. It’s easy to say that there will easily be five first round quarterbacks next year, but realistically you have to expect some of those guys will be exposed or will regress or will not take a next step or will get injured or will stay in school another year. Don’t get me wrong, things could go well for a lot of those guys and we could see a jam-packed first round for QBs, but acting like that’s a sure thing is unrealistic.
Since I don’t have a life, Kenny, I watch one helluva lot of college football. You’ll pardon me for saying I don’t see half of the guys you’ve listed as being head and shoulders above a Dart, Ward or even Sanders. But opinions are like, well, you know
That was the point. They had the chance this year and opted to wait out Rodgers. I actually like the selection of Howard. If you’re talking about numbers—more college QB’s who can fit into the first three rounds—I agree
But like Ooof said, there are a lot of things that have to fall right in a given year, from health to any number of issues.
Seven first round QBs is insane. Even if all of those guys you mentioned turn out to be first round talents, you still need seven teams who have a need for a QB in the first and who’d be willing to spend their first on a QB vs any of their other needs.
Yeah thinking about who could possibly take a QB first round next year (barring a catastrophic injury), I come up with the following:
Jets, Dolphins, Steelers, Browns, Colts, Raiders, Vikings, Saints, Panthers, Rams.
Of that list, only the Steelers and Saints stand out as must drafts. The Colts and Jets are in one year evaluations. Others like the Rams and Jets could if Stafford retires or Fields doesn’t work out. The Panthers or Dolphins could decide it’s time to move on. The Vikings still probably give McCarthy another year before panicking.
Add the Browns to the 1 year eval category.
Saints? They took Shough. Doubtful
Dolphins? Something wrong with Tua?
Raiders? Signed Geno for 3 years
Vikes? Have JJ. And now, Sam
Panthers?
I could see the Colts saying enough for Richardson. I’m doubtful the Jets do the same after one year of Fields.
A lot of these are a real stretch
Well that was kinda my point. Those were the teams I could see maybe taking a QB if the need was dire enough. Maybe the Saints aren’t as needy with Shough but I’m not a believer in him—I do think they will get the benefit of playing him the whole year since I think Carr is destined for surgery.
Tua is one concussion away from being medically retired. If JJ bombed horribly would the Vikings take someone else since they are in theory just a QB away? Maybe. Could the Panthers abandon Young after year 3 if he doesn’t take another step forward? Yeah and they would be unlikely to pickup his option at that point. The Raiders? That could be me thinking too much that the Raiders are going to Raiders like they usually do.
But again, just spit balling to illustrate how thin the market of QB needy teams is right now.
Ok, point taken. I understand your thinking and you’re right. You never know who turns out to be a flop, who gets hurt, etc
As someone who watches a great deal of college ball, I disagree with Kenny here and a number of national pundits. If the point is that the QB class is deep, I agree. But again, I don’t see a great deal of talent coming that places it above others and places numerous kids in round 1. Like Oooof has said, it’s way too early to say such a thing
But my point is that it doesn’t absolve the Steelers from trying to get a Dart or a Shough. You’d think they would have had some foresight. (But I do like Howard)
Instead, they’re being held hostage, at least publicly
Nussmeyer is a first rounder? Based on what? Surely you kid. It’s a very meh draft without Manning in it, and maybe guys will get elevated beause it’s QBs, but none of those guys are very good. Sellars might make a jump this year, but it’s a whole bunch of nothing in that class. I mean Drew Aller is one of the top guys. That’s just yuck.
Btw, you do realize Nelson is on his third team in three years and couldn’t even win a job at Boise State or wherever he went after USC. He’s not that good. Next thing you’re going to do is tell us about Jackson Arnold and how heralded he was going to Oklahoma until he actually started playing.
Damn. Dallas is gonna be a problem this year.
I had a feeling they would be.
The NFC East is gonna be tough.
Still laughing
Ugh…could Pittsburgh’s offense get any worse? That’s a strong message to Rodgers to stay home.
If Pickens and Metcalf couldnt get him excited Metcalf and no one should be thrilling
Any ex packers he can demand they bring in? Lol
Yeah Lazard. Wait and see!
On one hand, the Steelers dont appear to be interested in winning this year. On the other, Pickens is seemingly a headcase. He struggles to get separation but hes excellent at contested catches.
I think this trade sort of makes sense for both sides, but it does signal that the Steelers either dont think they can win this year or that Pickens simply isnt worth putting up with.
Or the Steelers are working on trading for or signing a replacement for Pickens. They’ve got Roman Wilson coming off essentially a redshirt year, so the replacement doesn’t necessarily need to be a long-term answer. Amari Cooper for a year? Allen Lazard to pair with Rodger’s if he ever signs? Gabe Davis now that he’s available?
Tomlin wants Rodgers so bad to keep his non losing season streak going he’ll bring in whatever WR Rodgers wants to get him to sign here. Can’t rely on Wilson or the recently signed Woods to be the #2 WR. So Lazard or Cooper wouldn’t shock me. Also a good blocking WR like Gabe Davis could be a fit. Even Keenan Allen who is a great route runner, never drops the ball, and a good blocker would be good on a 1 year deal. They will sign someone in the next week or so before mandatory Mini Camp in June.
Gabe Davis is today’s new option for WR 2. As a Bills’ fan, I hated to see him go and he was put in a bad situation in Jacksonville (he’s no #1), but could do well with Metcalf drawing more attention.
I think Davis would be worth the gamble as he is a younger guy and would not be under pressure to be the WR1.
Davis sucks. That contract never made sense. He had that great playoff game, and that’s all I remember from him playing with one of the best QBs in the league. Nice work if you can get it.
Setting aside whether the stereotypes about Gen Z employees are fair or true or not…
They are fair to Pickens.
Dude only cares when he cares and paying him isn’t enough to get him to care. Pouts when things don’t go his way. Doesn’t show up for work.
Not the kind of player a winning team wants AKA a perfect Dallas Cowboy. It was always going to be them or the Raiders.
The generational stuff is always goofy to me. Every generation has salt of the earth hard workers, flaky head cases, and everything in between. Also, is it about one generation being different from the previous one or are people always frustrated with whoever is currently 23?
I can’t offer a proper reply here without writing a book chapter. So I’ll just say…
Largely true, but sometimes there are breaks in history, rapid change, etc. and I don’t think people who have kinda/sorta seen the system occasionally work in their lifetime can fully understand those that haven’t.
But again, my point isn’t to parse whether it’s true, just that Pickens checks every box of the stereotype.
Been saying this for weeks. It makes too much sense and now it’s actually happened
I like the move
Dak can stay healthy and Pickens sees his fair share of of targets I think Pickens attitude improves.
Lack of stability at QB and lack of targets in Pit made him disgruntled
So what was the problem at Georgia and in high school? He’s always been this way.
Problem at Georgia? Same problem in Pitt
Jake Fromm and JT Daniels throwing him the ball is the college equivalent of Kenny Pickett and Justin Fields throwing you the ball in Pitt
So why wasn’t it a problem for Bowers? Furthermore, nobody kept him there, especially with NIL coming into play his last year in school. So he could have easily gone somewhere with these elite QBs you people seem to think were the reason he didn’t thrive. He’s always been a mental midget who isn’t a complete receiver. You also didn’t answer me why he was like this in high school because he was exactly like this coming out of high school, and people were saying he’ll grow up. That’s seven eight years ago. When’s it going to happen?
“How come other people who are different people with different feelings different opinions different attitudes don’t react the same way George Pickens does?”
Really? That’s your question lol. I mean that’s like asking how come liberals don’t have a problem with x but republicans do or why don’t republicans have a problem with y but liberals do.
“Nobody kept him there……could have easily gone where elite QB is……”
Uh transfer portal did his first two years in 2019 and 2020. You still had to sit out a year if you transferred I believe prior to 2021 and NIL money. Idk when it started but probably didn’t transfer cause 1 year rule affected bik his third year too
But will Pickens be happy labeled as a number 2 WR? Going from the go to guy at WR, to catching the passes that they can not get to Lamb, I see a one year and Free Agency for Pickens where he is not the afterthought by Dak.
Man I nailed the DAL draft, lol
crb15 • 2 weeks ago
I’d be more OL with the first if they did the Pickens trade, but could see them going defense with their 2nd (if they don’t get Pickens, then they would need a WR with their 1 or 2 imo). Back to if they get Pickens, I prefer edge or DL since they have Bland & Diggs already. I liked Carson last year too, and would hope he takes a step forward this coming year, and they also traded for a change of scenery project Elam. However, I wouldn’t mind them adding another in Amos, Morrison, or Revel like you mentioned instead. Harvey in the 3rd would be a bit high for me particularly, unless it is a late 3rd. I like him along with a lot of the RBs they could get after the half way point in the draft like: Brooks, Giddens, Harvey, Hunter, Martinez, Marks, or Sanders.
Honest question. I don’t follow the Steelers closely. I have read here that he is immature and a head case, etc. What exactly has he said or done? Complaining about not getting the ball isn’t that big a deal in today’s NFL. Every receiver does that. Lamb is the only one I know of that did it privately.
As the team was 10-3 and in first place, he said about the offensive coaching that he didn’t have any optimism in their approach. Yeah, he takes cancer to a new level.
He also gets rattled easily on the field and goaded into personal fouls. Lack of effort clear on several plays too
Stops playing in the middle of plays, shows up late.
He showed up late on game day and they benched him and lied about him being hurt to cover it up.
Sick talent, though.
The main problem is that even if he seems to straighten up and acts mature and professional this season, is it just because it’s a contract year? No way to keep him.
Oh noooos!
How will Defenses cover two young WRs and the Run?
Oh wait … what Run
Steelers won’t say this so I will they are in a re-building mode, they will be I know the NFL does’nt like this word, but as they are going to be the team that loses a lot of close but can’t close out games for the wins in the fourth quarter. It is called “tanking” in the normal lingo. They will be shooting for a 1 to 10 draft slot in the 2026 NFL draft since it will be held in Pittsburgh, they can grab their QB, a WR in the second round and two thirds now. They know that if they sign Rodgers being at 42yrs old he can’t lead this team to maybe the most 4-to-5-win season this year now. It is not that Pickens was a problem child, it is he could win them along with DK more like 8 or nine games which would hurt their chances in the 2026 draft for the top collegiate QB.
Sorry who tanks while paying a lot to bring in and extend Metcalf?
Why hasn’t Metcalf said anything about what the QB situation and now the WR less going on’s in Pittsburgh. Why would he sign a extension in Pittsburgh if he did not get a heads-up about what the future holds.
Exactly. Been saying that all offseason. The Steelers don’t tank. Even as the roster is currently constructed they are probably a 7-8 win team. Also, exactly who are all of these great QBs coming out next year? Manning couldn’t even beat out the guy who was just drafted in the 7th round.
Agreed. I asked this all along. A couple of folks here told me it was the money, stupid. Still makes no sense to me
And given the fact that he worked out with Rodgers at a session at UCLA, I have to think there’s some understanding
Pickens wasn’t there
I can’t believe the Steelers suddenly turned into front office morons.
Who said suddenly?
When roethlesberger was playing tomlin did not have much to say about the offense. Roethlesberger basically called his own plays.
Since retirement,tomlin couldn’t wait to get his hands on the offense. What a disaster it has become. Like I’ve been saying,he has too much power. He’s essentially in charge of player personnel. But some yinzer posters are content with mediocrity.
you sure about that when the Rooneys effectively fired Bruce Arians because his offense notoriously gets QBs killed, and they wanted to run the ball more? They fired Ron Erherdt back in the day when he had Neal O’Donnell throwing to five wideouts and got away from the run. Like how are some of you Steeler fans and don’t understand how your organization works? Rooneys want their team to play a certain way. Run the ball, strong defense, etc. It’s worked for them for 50 years, so it’s hard to knock them unless you’re a whiny fan who thinks you should win every Super Bowl, but the vision obviously comes from the top down. Even Steve Bisciotti said he patterned the Ravens after them because he knows the philosophy is rooted with the Rooneys, not the coaches or GM. They just execute the vision.
Um this is 2025 not 1975…and the Steelers can’t run the ball and they can’t pass it since Ben retired. And the defense is the most overrated and overpaid. And no we aren’t whiny. We are tired of an overrated coach who’s fame is never having a losing season. And getting blown out in 6 consecutive playoff games. Hadn’t been back to s Superbowl since 2010. Who tells the QB to play it close to the best. If they would have let Fields do what he did vest, he would be their QB today. And this Rodgers crap would be over. But no, Tomlin loves being an egomaniac,a controller. Who is so stubborn that he won’t change. None of his assistants never made head coaches. He’s stale. Everyone needs change. But Artie won’t do what his dad would do.
You’re blaming Tomlin though when it’s your owners who drive these decisions. Yeah, they can’t run the ball because your line has sucked for a few years since that Pouncy/DeCastro/etc. group moved on, and the Harris pick just like Pickett was misguided. However, your ownership demands that you play that way. The Steelers have a brand, and they want that brand of football. Do you really, really believe Tomlin is the one pining for Aaron Rodgers? The guy who has said I want volunteers, not hostages? Rooney just came out of the blue and said he’s signing and that it’s going to happen just because? Wake up and smell the coffee. Like you can’t be a fan of this organization and not understand the dynamics. Just like that they’re cheap. I’ll bet you think that’s all Tomlin and the GM too, lol. The player report cards tell you everything, but you have your eyes and ears covered saying la, la, la. Tomlin is the only thing in that organization that gets an A year in, year out. Ownership, facilities, etc. all get D’s or F’s every year.
Well now the bungles, er steelers are un the same position they were before Metcalf trade.
They should have made a trade during the draft to get a 2025 pick. Or kept him…now who’s number 2 receiver?
And to see them still holding out fir Adam’s shows the stupidity
Addition by subtraction. Go Steelers.
That 3rd round pick is going to seem like a 2nd rounder given that both teams will be picking very early in next year’s draft.
Wonder how Metcalf feels about all this
Brought in
No qb
No good wr across from him to take away coverage
I feel like this move looks dumb for the Steelers now, but will look bad for the Cowboys later on in the season. If a player is too much for Tomlin, then that’s a huge red flag. Look what happened with Diontae Johnson.
And we gave up a 2nd to get Chase claypool smh
I suppose someone convinced Jerry that trading for Pickens was a better option than waiting for the next OBJ sweepstakes 🙂
A horrible move by the Steelers. Then again, they are a horribly run franchise in the last 10 or so years.
I knew Pitt would never pay him, but I expected the move during the draft. Can’t go into the season with both DK & Pickens both get too many flags. GP is lazy with his feet, so many plays of him not dragging or stabbing feet down on a catch when he has the space and ability.
Cowboys didn’t give up much for #2 WR.
Worth the risk to me.
I question if he’s even a number two though rather than the Steelers getting peak production out of a receiver that would otherwise not be great outside of their organization (see Claypool, Johnson, etc). Out of all the guys who have left there, only Burress and Sanders had as good post Steeler careers. They seem to squeeze all the juice out of every receiver they sell to the rest of the league before they move on.
Tomlin seems to have an issue with strong personalities. Probably why the Steelers are perpetually stuck in the middle of the pack.
No modern coach has handled strong personalities better than him. Where in the world do some of you people get this stuff. Most of the world had no idea Antonio Brown was bats*** crazy until the off-season he got traded, yet anyone who followed the Steelers knew. Raider fans were completely blindsided when he played their whole organization like a fool.
Talking about strong personalities…Tomlin should have a problem with himself
The Cowboys landed a true WR1B to Ceedee WR1A…
And they got him for peanuts…this is a Great Trade for Dallas and if Pickens has a Pro Bowl season JJ will wrap him up to play with Ceedee for many many years…because he doesn’t let young stars walk out the door…
And if he acts like a fool all year he will hit free agency and Dallas will get a decent comp pick…
This is a Win-Win-Win for Dallas…
As far as Pittsburgh goes Dallas thanks you for rebuilding with that terrible roster u have…
Lateral move. You JUST acquired DK. Why not see how they work in tandem at least until the deadline? I never get these moves.
I agree they should of waited till next year see how it worked out. If it didn’t by the trade deadline, then trade him.
Because they were never keeping him. He was his replacement.
saving cap space for rodgers?
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