Steelers Trade George Pickens to Cowboys in Block NFL Deal

Dallas Cowboys Finalize Blockbuster Trade for Steelers WR George Pickens
By ALEX RASKIN | Updated: 13:03 BST, 7 May 2025

The Dallas Cowboys are nearing a deal to acquire star Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens in exchange for a third-round draft pick, ESPN reports. Potential pick swaps could also be part of the agreement, per insider Adam Schefter.

[Image: George Pickens celebrating a touchdown with the Steelers. Caption: George Pickens, known for explosive plays, is heading to Dallas.]

Pickens, 24, will join forces with All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb, forming one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos. The move comes after Pickens unfollowed the Steelers on social media amid Pittsburgh’s offseason overhaul, which included acquiring DK Metcalf and Robert Woods.

Pickens’ Rise and Challenges
A 2022 second-round pick, Pickens boasts 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns over three seasons, despite playing with five different Steelers quarterbacks. His 18.1 yards-per-catch average led the NFL in 2023. However, he’s faced criticism for on-field conduct, including a 2024 incident where Steelers coach Mike Tomlin urged him to “grow up” after unsportsmanlike penalties.

Cowboys’ Financial Puzzle
Dallas owner Jerry Jones now faces salary cap hurdles. With Lamb ($140M extension) and QB Dak Prescott ($160M deal) already on hefty contracts, adding Pickens’ potential extension complicates matters. Edge rusher Micah Parsons, also seeking a mega-deal, shares Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta—a sticking point for Jones.

[Image: Jerry Jones and CeeDee Lamb on the Cowboys sideline. Caption: Jerry Jones must balance finances to keep his star-studded roster intact.]

Agent Tensions Surface
Jones recently downplayed Mulugheta’s role in Parsons’ negotiations, sparking a public rebuke from the linebacker: “I will not be doing any deal without [Mulugheta] involved!” ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky sided with Parsons, calling Mulugheta “as good as it gets.”

Steelers Move Forward
Pittsburgh, now with Metcalf and Woods, appears ready to part ways with Pickens. The Steelers retain QB Russell Wilson and rookie Spencer Rattler, while Dallas bets on Pickens elevating Prescott’s offense.

[Image: Micah Parsons talking with agent David Mulugheta. Caption: Micah Parsons (right) and George Pickens share agent David Mulugheta, a key figure in Cowboys’ negotiations.]

What’s Next?
The trade hinges on physicals and final terms. If completed, Dallas gains a high-ceiling playmaker, but salary cap creativity will be crucial. For Pittsburgh, the deal adds draft capital as they reshape their roster.

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