Pickens to Dallas: Grading the Cowboys’ Bold Trade and Predicting the Impact on Their Passing Game

Pickens to Dallas: Grading the Cowboys’ Bold Trade and Predicting the Impact on Their Passing Game

Dak Prescott drops back, surveys the field, and fires a bullet downfield. It’s not CeeDee Lamb streaking across the middle this time, but George Pickens, the newest addition to the Dallas Cowboys, hauling in a contested catch for a crucial first down. This isn’t just a dream scenario for Cowboys fans; it’s a rapidly approaching reality after Dallas traded a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. But how good is this trade, and what can fans expect from the Cowboys’ passing game in 2025?

The Trade: A Necessary Gamble?

The Cowboys entered the 2025 offseason with a glaring need at wide receiver. CeeDee Lamb had shouldered the passing game burden for too long, and the departure of Brandin Cooks to the New Orleans Saints left a gaping hole. While the draft offered potential solutions, Jerry Jones opted for a proven commodity in Pickens.

Grading the Trade:

  • For the Cowboys: Initial grades range from a B- to an A-. The upside is undeniable: Pickens is a legitimate deep-threat receiver with contested-catch ability. He led the NFL with 18.1 yards per reception in 2023. He provides Dak Prescott with a much-needed No. 2 option and should open up the field for Lamb. The risk lies in Pickens’ expiring contract and his history of on-field behavior issues. If he doesn’t sign an extension and becomes a distraction, the Cowboys could be left with just a one-year rental.
  • For the Steelers: The Steelers received a B-plus from ESPN’s Seth Walder. The Steelers get a Day 2 pick for a player they may not have been able to retain. Some analysts believe they could have gotten more, considering Pickens’ talent. However, his expiring contract and reported maturity issues likely lowered his value.

Pickens’ Potential Impact on the Cowboys’ Passing Game

Pickens’ arrival has the potential to transform the Cowboys’ passing attack. Here’s how:

  • A True Complement to Lamb: For the first time since Amari Cooper’s departure, Lamb has a running mate who can consistently win against single coverage. Pickens’ ability to stretch the field will force defenses to respect the deep ball, preventing them from solely focusing on Lamb.
  • Increased Explosiveness: The Cowboys’ passing game lacked explosive plays in 2024. Pickens addresses that immediately. He is a downfield threat who averaged 16.7 yards per reception over the past two seasons.
  • Improved Play-Action: With defenses needing to account for both Lamb and Pickens, the Cowboys’ play-action passing game should become more effective. This will benefit both the passing and running game.
  • Dak Prescott’s Potential Resurgence: Pickens gives Prescott another reliable target and could help him return to his pre-2024 form. Prescott has supported two fantasy-relevant wide receivers in the past.

Concerns and Question Marks

Despite the excitement surrounding Pickens’ arrival, some concerns remain:

  • Pickens’ Maturity: Pickens has a history of on-field outbursts and has struggled with penalties. The Cowboys need to ensure he buys into their culture and doesn’t become a distraction.
  • Contract Year Pressure: Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Will he be motivated to perform, or will the pressure of securing a new deal negatively impact his play?
  • Offensive Scheme Fit: New head coach Brian Schottenheimer needs to effectively integrate Pickens into the offense. Can he maximize Pickens’ strengths while also ensuring Lamb remains the focal point?
  • Target Share: How will the targets be distributed between Lamb, Pickens, and tight end Jake Ferguson? Pickens needs to accept that he may not be the primary target.

The Updated Cowboys’ Wide Receiver Depth Chart

With Pickens in the fold, the Cowboys’ wide receiver depth chart looks significantly improved:

  1. CeeDee Lamb
  2. George Pickens
  3. Jalen Tolbert
  4. Jonathan Mingo
  5. KaVontae Turpin
  6. Ryan Flournoy

The addition of Pickens pushes Tolbert and Mingo down the depth chart, which should benefit the team. Tolbert had a solid 2024 season, but Pickens is a clear upgrade.

Predicting the Impact

The George Pickens trade injects excitement and potential into the Dallas Cowboys’ offense. If Pickens can stay focused and the coaching staff can effectively utilize his talents, the Cowboys’ passing game could reach new heights in 2025. Dak Prescott could surpass Troy Aikman’s passing record. The Cowboys may have just found the missing piece to their Super Bowl puzzle.