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For weeks, George Pickens trade rumors swirled about like a car-tossing twister.
On Wednesday, that speculation became a reality.
Dallas acquired the coveted wide receiver from Pittsburgh along with a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder.
⚠️ TRADE ALERT ⚠️
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 7, 2025
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
During what’s largely a slow period until rookie minicamps open, the deal booked between the two storied franchises sent significant ripples throughout social media.
Many, including this opinionated radio voice, hurled disdain at the Cowboys’ draft approach. Their selection of a guard (Alabama’s Tyler Booker) with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — when other needs were more pressing — seemed like a misstep. However, with the Pickens trade, there is a method to Jerry Jones’ madness.
PIckens is inarguably one of the best perimeter receivers in the game. Last season with the Steelers, the 24-year-old ranked No. 13 in total air yards (1,401), No. 15 in aDOT (13.6), No. 4 in total deep targets (29), No. 14 in yards per reception (15.3) and No. 3 in explosive rating, according to PlayerProfiler.
When it comes to ball-in-the-air adjustments, the 6-foot-3 Pickens is Gumby-like. The lanky target bends and contorts exceptionally well, often winning in mano y mano situations.
No doubt, Pickens will play second fiddle to target hog CeeDee Lamb. Honestly, the WR1’s presence could present many favorable coverages for Pickens, and the overall offensive environment is healthier.
Going from an in-flux quarterback situation to Dak Prescott is a major victory. Last season, the Dallas quarterback posted the 12th-best deep-ball completion percentage in the NFL.
In his new digs, Pickens should finish around 75 receptions, 1,000 yards and 5-7 touchdowns. His ADP in 0.5 PPR leagues prior to his Pittsburgh departure sat at 107.3 overall (WR35). Expect that number to shrink in the coming days. Come peak draft season, he should approach the WR top 30 in average drafts.
Pluck Pickens with confidence as a high-end WR3 in 12-team drafts.
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the freshly acquired receiver’s 2025 potential.