Pickens to Dallas: How the Steelers WR Trade Supercharges the Cowboys Offense

Pickens to Dallas: How the Steelers WR Trade Supercharges the Cowboys Offense

The Dallas Cowboys’ offense is set for a significant boost in 2025 with the acquisition of wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a surprising move, the Cowboys traded a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. [7, 11, 13, 16] This trade has sent ripples throughout the NFL, with analysts and fans alike speculating on the impact Pickens will have on the Cowboys’ offense.

The Trade Details and Rationale

The Steelers’ decision to trade Pickens, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract, signals a strategic shift for the team. [4, 7, 11] According to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Cowboys will receive Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick, while the Steelers will get a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 fifth-rounder. [7] Steelers general manager Omar Khan indicated that the Cowboys made an offer the team couldn’t refuse, leading to internal discussions and ultimately the decision to move Pickens. [15]

From the Cowboys’ perspective, this trade addresses a critical need for a reliable No. 2 receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb. [7] Owner Jerry Jones had hinted at a “substantive” trade, and the acquisition of Pickens fulfills that promise. [7, 16] Pickens’ arrival is expected to provide Dak Prescott with another top-tier target, enhancing the Cowboys’ passing offense. [7]

Pickens’ Potential Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense

George Pickens is known for his impressive physical abilities and potential to make big plays. In 2024, Pickens recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns. [2] His addition to the Cowboys’ receiving corps is expected to create a dynamic duo alongside CeeDee Lamb. [4, 7, 16]

Tony Romo believes that teaming Pickens with Lamb will be a “game changer” for the Cowboys. [1] Pickens’ ability to win one-on-one matchups on the outside should provide Prescott with a reliable target in crucial situations. [17] With defenses focusing on Lamb, Pickens should see plenty of opportunities to exploit isolated coverage. [17]

New Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is committed to a balanced, run-first approach. [9, 14, 19] Pickens’ presence will force defenses to respect the Cowboys’ passing game, potentially opening up running lanes for Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. [3, 9] Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy emphasizes complementary football, and Pickens’ ability to stretch the field will be a valuable asset in achieving that balance. [9]

The Steelers’ Perspective

The Steelers’ decision to trade Pickens raises questions about their offensive plans for 2025. Veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward suggested that the Steelers could be a “better team because of it,” citing the team’s history of successfully trading wide receivers. [1] Since 2018, the Steelers have traded away Martavis Bryant, Antonio Brown, Chase Claypool, and Diontae Johnson, with mixed results for those players elsewhere. [1]

The Steelers did acquire DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason. [1, 5, 13] Heyward expressed his desire to see Metcalf and Pickens play together, but acknowledged that the team may have other moves in the works. [1] With Pickens gone, players like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson may see increased roles in the Steelers’ offense. [1]

Fantasy Football Implications

The arrival of George Pickens in Dallas has significant implications for fantasy football players. Pickens is expected to slot in as the No. 2 WR option behind Lamb, potentially increasing his target share and overall production. [7]

Dak Prescott’s fantasy value also receives a boost with the addition of Pickens. [4, 23] Prescott struggled in 2024, but the arrival of a talented receiver like Pickens could help him return to his former status as a high-end fantasy quarterback. [23]

CeeDee Lamb remains a top-tier fantasy receiver, and the presence of Pickens may actually benefit him by drawing coverage away and creating more favorable matchups. [4, 23]

The Cowboys’ Updated Wide Receiver Depth Chart

Following the trade for Pickens, the Cowboys’ wide receiver depth chart looks like this:

  1. CeeDee Lamb
  2. George Pickens
  3. Jalen Tolbert
  4. KaVontae Turpin
  5. Jonathan Mingo
  6. Jalen Brooks
  7. Ryan Flournoy
  8. Parris Campbell
  9. Jalen Moreno-Cropper
  10. Kelvin Harmon
  11. Traeshon Holden
  12. Josh Kelly [3, 12, 16, 17, 18]

Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo will compete for the No. 3 receiver role. [12] Tolbert had a career year in 2024, while Mingo struggled to make an impact after being acquired in a mid-season trade. [12, 17]

Conclusion

The trade for George Pickens has the potential to supercharge the Cowboys’ offense in 2025. Pickens’ talent and potential, combined with the Cowboys’ existing offensive weapons and a new coaching philosophy, create an exciting outlook for the upcoming season. While the Steelers may have their reasons for moving on from Pickens, the Cowboys are betting that he can be the missing piece to their Super Bowl aspirations.