The Pittsburgh Steelers sparked widespread reaction in the NFL when they traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys just weeks after the draft. Pickens, drafted in the second round in 2022, had established himself as a top playmaker with 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in three seasons. However, his strong on-field performances were often overshadowed by discipline issues, emotional outbursts, and conflicts on the sidelines.
The trade, completed on May 7, sent Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to Dallas in return for a 2026 third-round and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This move followed Pittsburgh’s high-profile signing of veteran wideout DK Metcalf in a deal with Seattle, leading some to believe the trade was part of a broader strategy. Still, many across the league questioned why the Steelers would let go of such a productive receiver given the lack of depth at the position.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan on why they traded WR George Pickens to the Cowboys: “The trade sort of happened quickly. We had some people inquire during the draft. Nothing that really made sense. The Cowboys reached out earlier this week. They proposed something for us to…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 9, 2025
Steelers general manager Omar Khan addressed the decision in a rare post-draft press conference shared by the team on May 10. He explained that the trade came together quickly, initiated by the Cowboys earlier that week. He also consulted with Pickens’ agent about the player’s situation and future, ultimately concluding that a fresh start was in everyone’s best interest. Khan clarified that Pickens never explicitly asked for a trade.
The timing of the deal raised eyebrows, particularly since the Steelers had failed in their attempt earlier in the offseason to acquire Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers, who later secured a $120 million extension. With Pickens now gone, Pittsburgh’s receiving corps drew renewed scrutiny and comparisons to the team’s underwhelming lineup from the previous year.
Khan emphasized that the decision wasn’t made lightly and pointed to moves the team had already made, such as acquiring DK Metcalf, bringing in experienced receiver Robert Woods, and developing rookie Roman Wilson. He acknowledged concerns about Wilson’s inexperience and Woods’ age but noted the team remained open to further additions if needed. The strategy, for now, appears to favor team balance rather than relying on a single star.
Despite Pittsburgh’s reassurances, reactions from other NFL teams reportedly told a different story. During the draft, word got out that Pickens was available for trade, and according to insiders, some franchises scoffed at the idea. Teams surveyed at the time reportedly dismissed any interest in acquiring Pickens, citing concerns about his behavior and the potential disruption to locker room chemistry, even though his stats were impressive.
Pickens had been involved in multiple controversies during his time in Pittsburgh. One notable incident occurred in Week 5 against the Cowboys, when he yanked cornerback Jourdan Lewis down by the facemask in a moment of frustration. Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t mince words, saying Pickens needed to mature quickly. Later in the season, more issues followed, including Pickens arriving just 95 minutes before a Week 16 game against the Chiefs, which raised further doubts about his professionalism.
These incidents contributed to a growing perception of Pickens as a talented yet volatile player who could pose a risk to team stability. Nevertheless, the Cowboys saw enough potential to take a chance, believing they were acquiring a dynamic WR2 despite the risks involved. In essence, the trade became a reflection of two different team philosophies: Pittsburgh opted for structure and predictability, while Dallas bet on talent and upside.
Ultimately, time will determine whether the Steelers made a prudent choice or gave up on a potential superstar too soon.